Appalachian held its 12th annual
Kwanzaa Celebration and Feast Tuesday Dec. 2 at Legends.
The celebration was held to share the traditions that were
born on the African continent.
“We go over the history of Kwanzaa and what is all
involved,” Kwanzaa coordinator Anwar S. Cruter said.
Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday. Celebrated
Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, Kwanzaa is based on the harvest traditions
in Africa.
According to the Kwanzaa keepsake booklet, Dr. Maulana Ron
Karenga formed Kwanzaa in 1966 to remedy the lack of an African-American
holiday and to address the exploration of Black America during
the Christmas season.
“It was a fun, interactive night with song and dance,”
Cruter said.
The night started with a few songs by the Appalachian State
University Gospel Choir.
“Our performances are always fun but it was great to
have such a diverse audience,” freshman and choir member
Paula Schmitt said.
With the motto for the night being “peace, love and
respect for everyone,” the Nguzo Saba or seven principles
of Kwanzaa were covered.
They are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination),
Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative
economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani
(faith).
On the stage a table was set up with the primary symbols
of Kwanzaa.
They included Mkeka (a straw mat), Muhindi (ear of corn),
Kikombe Cha Umoja (a unity cup), Zawadi (gifts), Kinara (candleholder)
and Mshumaa (seven candles). The colors of the candles represent
the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Red symbolizes struggle,
black symbolizes the people and green symbolizes prosperity.
“Everyone can celebrate Kwanzaa,” Cruter said.
“Everyone needs to come together in unity.”
The African-American Dance Ensemble performed several traditional
African American dances to welcome people who attended the
event. |
