A Spiritual Renewal
Patterned after traditional African harvest festivals and versed in the East and Central African language of Swahili, Kwanzaa has given African Americans a unique cultural holiday of their own since 1966.
Although Kwanzaa celebrations will be taking place all over Southern California on Monday through Jan. 1, nowhere is there more activity than in the Crenshaw district, the last predominantly black section of Los Angeles. Events include a kickoff candlelighting ceremony Monday at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, a parade and festival in Leimert Park, special church services and a karamu (feast) at the African American Cultural Center.
Created by activist and educator Maulana Karenga as an Afrocentric alternative to the Christmas season, it is nonetheless non-religious and celebrated by blacks of all faiths.
Celebrants take time to renew the spirit of family and community--traditionally strong African values--by observing the nguzo saba (seven principles) of Kwanzaa, one for each day: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). People typically exchange gifts that have some cultural significance and that reinforce one or more of the principles.
Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri! (May your Kwanzaa be one of happiness, goodness and prosperity.)
Kwanzaa highlights:
17th annual candlelighting ceremony, second level of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, noon Monday. Free Kwanzaa information books and T-shirts giveaway for kids. This year’s theme is “Lighting a candle and leading the way for the children.”
Children’s Kwanzaa Celebration, 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, African American Cultural Center, 2560 W. 54th St. An afternoon celebrating the values of Kwanzaa in music, dance, stories and song. $5 per family.
Friday, Dec. 30: 10 a.m., Kwanzaa parade beginning at Adams Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard, proceeding south on Crenshaw to Vernon Avenue. Kwanzaa festival follows in Leimert Park (at Crenshaw and Vernon) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival featuring music, crafts and food continues Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kwanzaa Karamu (Feast), 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, African American Cultural Center. Music, dance, candlelighting, stories, proverbs, poetry and food. Location and information: (213) 299-6124.