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Kwanzaa traditions taking root in Statesville
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Published: December 29, 2008
Surveys taken over the past several years place the number of all Americans who actually do something to mark the African-American celebration at about 2.5 percent.
"But I think it is gradually getting more acceptance," said Woody Woodard, the outgoing president of the Statesville Branch of the NAACP. "I mean, it is a relatively new holiday and it takes a while for things to catch on."
The idea for Kwanzaa was hatched on in the mid-1960s — at the height of the civil rights movement — by a California social activist named Ron Karenga who said he wanted to give blacks a chance to "celebrate themselves" and their African ancestry.
It was first celebrated in December 1966.
"I think it is important to stay connected with our roots," said Woodard. "But this always gets into that common debate of why we should keep the 'African' part of African American."
Woodard said he has no problem with folks from other cultures, nations or continents identifying themselves with modifiers.
"But with people of color it is more obvious that we have our roots in Africa," he said "And that is really what Kwanzaa is about."
Woodard said the importance of Kwanzaa lies in personal and universal pride of the African-American community.
"And that should not take anything away from my patriotism," he said.
"America is my home and I love it and I defended it for over 20 years and I would die for it. But me calling myself an African-American and celebrating that should not take anything away from my patriotism or love of America."
Debra Bailey, a Statesville native who now works for Corningware in upstate New York, said Kwanzaa has a profound importance to her.
"It was created as a way to get people to reflect on those things that make the African-American community strong," she said. "Some people think of it as just an alternative to Christmas, which, in some ways, it is. But there is a spiritual and inspirational aspect to it."
There is also gift-giving, Bailey said. But, she explained, Kwanzaa purists believe there should be meaning packed into each exchange of presents.
"The emphasis should be on education or enrichment or somehow connected to ways of making the African-American community stronger," Bailey said.
She said examples of Kwanzaa gifts are poems or handmade trinkets or "something that has been passed down from generations."
Bailey, who has hosted Kwanzaa events in the past, said the time of year is also an important part of the celebration in that it bridges the old and new years and "allows for reflection on both the past and future."
But there does not seem to be a lot of reflection dedicated to the holiday itself.
"All I know about it is that it's like a Christmas for black people," said Michelle Jackson, an African-American woman from South Statesville.
Zelda Turner added a little to that.
"It's seven nights and you do something different on each night," she said. "Other than that I don't know much about it. Every year I tell myself that I am going to do more research on it, but then the year goes by."
Still Woodard believes the holiday will someday get more attention and be more of a focal point during the holiday season.
"I think it's going to be like Juneteenth," he said. "I think every year that passes, more people learn more about it."
Kwanzaa is based on the Seven Principles — Nguzo Saba — and a candle is lit on the kinara each day during Kwanzaa in observance of them. The principals are:
-- Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
-- Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
-- Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society and world.
-- Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
-- Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
-- Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
-- Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
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