Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their annual gathering, known as a “karamu,” has been postponed until further notice. Kwanzaa will look a lot different this year for the Jacksons and their extended community. As many as 70 family members and friends typically come together at the Jacksons’ to participate in a festive atmosphere of African drumming, singing, dancing, laughter, and an overflowing buffet of soul food, vegetarian dishes and other specialties including Ethiopian chicken. As an African American, it’s something I look forward to every year. I have been privileged to attend a great number of these gatherings. How Kwanzaa is being observed during the Pandemicįor the past 20 years, Jeffrey Jackson and his wife, Kim Hall Jackson, have hosted a huge celebration in their Philadelphia home to observe Kwanzaa. It is very powerful,” explained Kim Hall Jackson. We acknowledge positive things that happened to us over the past year. We start off the ceremony by asking for permission from the elders and pour libations for the Ancestors. “Kwanzaa is a non-religious, noncommercial African centered holiday with a focus on morals and values, building character, and having faith. He wanted to promote unity amongst people of African descent. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach. Many African Americans participate in public and private events during Kwanzaa. Each day represents one of Kwanzaa’s seven guiding principles which emphasize family, community and culture. Kwanzaa takes place for a week each year from December 26 th through January 1 st. “Harambee” means “all pull together.” “Harambee!” is often shouted enthusiastically in unison at the end of formal Kwanzaa ceremonies. So on the first of the seven days, December 26 th, “Habari Gani?” would be answered with “Umoja,” which means unity. The formal name for the holiday is “Matunda ya Kwanza” which means “first fruits of the harvest.” “Habari Gani?,” which means “How are you?” is answered with the principle of the day. These greetings are in the East African language of Swahili, which is the language chosen to represent Kwanzaa’s ideals, which come from a vast amalgam of traditional African societies. In addition to principles and symbols, there are greetings associated with Kwanzaa. “Happy Kwanzaa” and Swahili Greetings You Need to Know It is shown along with an image of a contemplative Black woman on Andrea Pippins’ stamp illustration. The “kinara” or candleholder, is one of the key symbols of Kwanzaa. The holiday, which is built around 7 guiding principles, is commemorated on the Kwanzaa 2020 United States Postal Service “Forever” stamp. Interestingly, festive lights, whether on a tree, in windows, or displayed from a candle holder, are symbolic of many of these observances. There’s also Kwanzaa, a week-long traditional African American celebration that honors Pan African heritage. “Seasons Greetings” extend to Christmas, Hanukkah, Three Kings Day, the Chinese New Year, and St. We’re in the midst of many joyous winter holiday celebrations here in the northern hemisphere. 1.5k KWANZAA, AN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL HOLIDAY
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