The celebration known as Kwanzaa is turning 50 years old this holiday season This weeklong festival that celebrates African Americans is rich in history and tradition, and encompasses principles to live by the whole year through. By Carla Turchetti
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of Africana Studies at California State University Long Beach. He pulled pieces from several different kinds of African harvest festivals to develop this holiday honoring commitment to family, community and culture. At the heart of Kwanzaa is its seven different principles. A different principle is observed and discussed on each night beginning on December 26th. Dr. Karenga selected Kwanzaa for the name of his celebration because it roughly translates in Swahili to “first fruits”. Each principle is also referred to by its name in Swahili, which was chosen because it is a vehicular language that transcends any single group and is used across Africa.
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Dr. Maulana Karenga is a professor, activist, author, and best known as the creator of Kwanzaa.
The seven principles are Umoja * Unity Kujichagulia * Self-determination Ujima * Collective work and responsibility Ujamaa * Cooperative economics Nia * Purpose Kuumba * Creativity Imani * Faith, especially faith in one’s self
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“The Kwanzaa principles are really what I call common sense kinds of things, almost like the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes,” says Beverly Burnette, a Midtown resident and president of the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers. “I’m a retired school social worker, and in social work and guidance we called them character traits.” Burnette and other storytellers are often called on to participate in larger gatherings that celebrate Kwanzaa, and they share stories that relate to each of the seven traits. The group is also the force behind a nationally syndicated radio show that airs on NPR/International Public Radio each year. “A Season’s Griot” has been hosted for the past 21 years by storyteller Madafo Lloyd Wilson of Wilmington, and has featured original compositions by Burnette. “In storytelling we like to not only promote the positives,