Kwanzaa celebrates more than African heritage, it represents a focus on life improvement.
That according to Cookeville-Putnam NAACP Branch Secretary Geeta McMillan. McMillan said Maulana Karenga, professor at California State Long Beach, brought Kwanzaa to the United States on the heals of major civil rights unrest in 1966. Karenga wanted to connect the African American community to African culture, a celebration of roots and heritage. McMillan said celebrations of culture help break barriers between people.
“We as, I suppose it’s human nature, put up walls,” McMillan said. “If you don’t look like me, you don’t sound like me you don’t speak like me, but when we are joined together in a community celebration, we understand each other.”
Kwanzaa is celebrated over the course of a week, with each day being dedicated to a principle. The first day is dedicated to promoting Umoja, or unity in ones community and relationships. The second day is Kujichagulia, or strengthening ones own self-determination. The third is Ujima, or strengthening a dedication to collective work and responsibility. The fourth day is centered around Ujamaa, which is maintaining local businesses in the community.
“Where we talk about supporting small businesses,” McMillan said. “Small businesses in our community that are owned by our friends.”
The fifth day is focused on Nia, or purpose. The sixth day is a celebration of Kuumba, or creativity.
“In that celebration, we get together and basically show off our creativity,” McMillan said. “Whether it’s sewing or painting or photography or cooking, and to appreciate each other’s talents.”
The final day encourages growth in faith, or Imani.
McMillan said the festival is not religious in nature and everyone of all walks of life are welcome to join in celebrating the holiday. McMillan said they do encourage people to be involved in a faith community of some sort for fellowship and support.
“Whether it’s a church or a synagogue or anything of that nature,” McMillan said.
McMillan said the organization will be hosting an event on New Year’s Day, emphasizing foods such as collard greens, black eyed peas and stacked apple cakes. McMillan said the food brings people together with fellowship, as well.
“It is a celebration of the culture,” McMillan said. “The music, the food, the family nature of the African American culture.”
