Columbia fosters Kwanzaa celebration and education

Early Kwanzaa festivities help to educate the community.

By Gretchen Mahan and Ryan Schmitz

Published Dec. 5, 2008

Although Kwanzaa isn't until the end of December, MU students and Columbia residents are celebrating early.

The Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center at MU put together a pre-Kwanzaa event on Thursday, which featured libations, candle lighting, music and food from various black cultures.

The music included MU juniors Jaqui Rogers and Derrick Christian, who sung the Black National Anthem, and Morgan Matsiga, the founder of Universal Drum Appeal, who is originally from Zimbabwe.

Alexandria Scherff, programming committee chairwoman for the event, said it was important to have an event that actually displayed the traditions rather than just telling people about Kwanzaa.

"You might remember more about it," she said, adding that students would be able to educate their families and friends.

Black Culture Center Director Nathan Stephens said celebrating Kwanzaa is important to him.

"It does something to me," he said. "It's a point of pride."

He also said one of the main lessons people can learn from the African culture is to respect elders. He said a friend from Cameroon once told him, "When an elder dies, it is like a library that burns."

On Saturday, the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will host a Kwanzaa celebration from 2 to 5 p.m. at Frederick Douglass High School, 310 N. Providence Road.

"The purpose of this event is twofold," said Bill Thompson, a recreation specialist with the department. "It puts Kwanzaa on the minds of people early, and tells them what the holiday is. This is a secular occasion to celebrate family."

Created by author and political activist Ron "Maulana" Karenga in 1966, the weeklong festival of Kwanzaa runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 each year. The holiday's name comes from a Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits." Intended to commemorate the African cultural and historical heritage, Kwanzaa brings African-Americans together in meditation and study of traditions and principles.

The celebration this Saturday is free to the public and promotes the development of families and communities, and features authentic African entertainment, food and various awards.

"We present Kwanzaa awards to people who demonstrate the principles of Kwanzaa," Thompson said. "We also will offer a formal religious ceremony and a business expo."

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Notable activities include candle lighting, libations, gift giving and a feast.

Thompson underscored the event's fundamental objective to bring Columbia residents of all cultures and backgrounds together.

"Kwanzaa is a celebration of family," he said. "We do not just celebrate our African-American family, but the whole community of Columbia."