10,000 gather for Kwanzaa in Chicago

UPI ^ | 12/26/2005

[ncountylee]

CHICAGO, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- The largest annual Kwanzaa celebration of African-American culture in the United States began Monday at Malcolm X College in Chicago.

Ayoka Samuels, a consultant for the college's Kwanzaa committee said a major misconception is that about the seven-day festival is that it's meant to be "the black Christmas," the Chicago Sun-Times said.

Samuels said many who celebrate it do substitute it for Christmas, and if gifts are exchanged, they must be either educational or a symbol of African heritage.

Maulana Ron Karenga, now a professor of black studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966 as a way to restore a sense of connection with African culture.

Each of the seven nights is devoted to a particular community value: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Part of the ceremony is the lighting of seven red, black and green candles, symbolizing sacrificed blood, race and Mother Africa, the Oakland Tribune said.

In Buffalo, N.Y., Denise Renfro said she is proud of the changes in her 10-year-old son since he entered Rites of Passage, an after-school program centered around Kwanzaa principles.

"He brings home good grades, likes school and has never gotten into serious trouble," she said

[beltfed308]

ping.

[aligncare]

I not sure what tact to take with this story...

Afro, Euro, Asian or whatever background...I just wish people would celebrate America.

But, I guess to the hyphenated Afro crowd, America represents their enslavement and current day oppression...

Blacks need to let go of bitterness...Whites need to let go of guilt...There is no more Jim Crowe...let it go.

[Lurker]

What did he do?

L

[BipolarBob]

bttt

[ncountylee]

Convicted of assault and torture of two young women.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Thank you. But not to split hairs but we still need to correctly honor the season. I'll try to see if I can access the court records so we can accurately depict the sacred items of Kwanzaa. Just a picture of any extension cord is bad form. We need to get the correct color, length, was it indoor or outdoor, and it's UL listing. Same goes for the other items.

[Berlin_Freeper]

"the black Christmas,"

That will never in a million years beat "a White Christmas", and shame on them for trying. I really don't think you have much of a cultural or spiritual event when you directly attempt to compete with someone else's.

If they want the Kawaanza fine, but to have it compete with Christmas is pathetic (this is where some idiot tells me they were doing it first, watch).

[JRios1968]

Now, I always forget...is today Bling-Bling Day or Tookie-anza? All the Kwanzaa days get confusing after a while.

[Hank Rearden]

Didn't there used to be a band called 10,000 Morons?

[RegulatorCountry]

"Didn't there used to be a band called 10,000 Morons?"

10,000 Maniacs.

[AGreatPer]

They have every right to worship a ham sandwich if they want. Hmmmm, that even sounds better. Lots of mayo please.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

has never gotten into serious trouble,"

That's kind of relative. In some cities, several bullets in the back of the head is considered death by natural causes.

[Shade2]

Mostly I see blinged out cars, hookers, and a lot of graffiti.

The people who practice the above don't celebrate Kwanzaa. So don't compare apples and oranges. The truth is that most people who celebrate kwanzaa (a very small portion of the black population) are in all likelihood educated, productive individuals.

[F16Fighter]

President Bush Kwanzaa's Message:

"I send greetings to those observing Kwanzaa....

African Americans and people around the world reflect on African heritage during Kwanzaa. The seven days of this celebration emphasize the seven principles of Nguzo Saba -- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These values contribute to a culture of citizenship and compassion, and Kwanzaa activities help pass on African values and traditions to future generations.

As families and friends gather for Kwanzaa, Americans remember the many contributions African Americans have made to our country's character and celebrate the diversity that makes our Nation strong. May your commitment to family, faith, and community thrive during this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a happy Kwanzaa."

Does the man have ANY idea it's a fake "holiday" created by a criminal?

I haven't seen this much political pandering since...NEVER.

[mtbopfuyn]

Of course you won't find out what he did by reading the NYSlimes, so check #4 above.

[anton]

Educated, productive, individuals who for some reason throw reason and intellect out the window and celebrate a fake holiday that blasphemes the religious heritage of both Africans and Americans. Hmmmm. . . . Who are these persons?

[Spiff]

I hesitate to post this. I posted the Presidential Kwanzaa Message for 2005 about an hour ago and the thread got pulled with the explanation "No Thanks." FReepers were rightfully indignant that the President would lend legitimacy to the fake holiday invented by a racist gangleader thug to spread his violent brand of marxist black nationalism throughout the black community by officially recognizing it - again - for the fifth december in a row.