While the popularity of Kwanzaa, which begins the day after Christmas, has continued to grow, it has long occupied a peculiar place in African-American culture, according to a column by Trymaine Lee.
Thousands are celebrating Kwanzaa across southwest Atlanta; it's not too late to embrace the seventh principle of faith ("Imani" in Swahili)
Today is the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa and celebrants are recognizing the principle of faith, known as Imani in Swahili. According to the official Kwanza website, this principle encourages us to "believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle." Each year millions of African Americans, along with their African brothers and sisters, celebrate Kwanzaa, a seven-day long holiday introduced in 1966 by founder Dr. Maulana Karenga. This year more than three hundred people gathered in Atlanta at the Shrine of the Black Madonna earlier this week to hear the inspirational words of Karenga. "It's a celebration that brings black people together after the overly …
Some area families celebrate the week-long cultural holiday every year.
On a clear but chilly day, Southwest Atlanta resident Christine Arinze-Samuel and her family gathered at her home on Benjamin E. Mays Drive to set up their Kwanzaa display. The retired Atlanta Public Schools educator who goes by the name Olufemi (God Loves Me in Yoruba), has been living in Southwest Atlanta since 1970. Her mother, aunts, her son and his wife and their children all share the Kwanzaa spirit. Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1 across the U.S. and in other countries. It uplifts seven principles: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. It is celebrated in homes and community centers. Every year, Kwanzaa centers around a unique theme; the …
9:29 am on Sunday, December 26, 2010
Beautiful Article on Kwanzaa. Also, Check out trailer to documentary on Kwannza, http://theblackcandle.com/ Documentary narrated by Maya Angelou. more ›
Kim Rawks
9:59 am on Thursday, January 6, 2011
I should have went. It would have given me a better understanding of the holiday. more ›