Posted on 12/31/2006 3:03:45 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Forty years after its creation by a California professor, Kwanzaa got its first citywide celebration in Madison on Saturday amid conga drumming, dance, rap and poignant remembrances of deceased African Americans including "Godfather of Soul" James Brown and popular local television anchorman Mike McKinney.
"There is purity in our hearts as we call on those who have gone before us to come into our midst as we celebrate this Kwanzaa event," organizer Godwin Amegashie told the gathering of about 250 people at Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the East Side.
The names of dozens of recently deceased ancestors were read before three girls - Dorothea Manadier, Michaelean Johnson and Isis Bernard of the Fountain of Life Praise Dancers - offered a graceful, proud interpretation of Kwanzaa's seven core values.
Those principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. They're celebrated each year, one emphasized per day, beginning Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by California State University professor Maulana Karenga to encourage people of African descent to reconnect to their roots.
Edith Lawrence-Hilliard, who spearheaded Madison's first citywide Kwanzaa celebration, said her family has lived in the city for 141 years - eight generations - and has celebrated the holiday privately every year since its creation.
"I'm kind of in awe," she said as she snacked on cake after the one-hour ceremony, which featured an original rap tribute to Kwanzaa by her grandson, Harry Bernard, a student at Madison East High School.
Lawrence-Hilliard acknowledged that Kwanzaa remains little understood by many residents, including African Americans, but predicted that with the public celebration, more people of all ages will take part.
Organizers said they're certain to stage another citywide event next year.
Fabu Carter Mogaka said she attended similar events as a child in Memphis, Tenn., and the debut of Kwanzaa in Madison, her home since 1978, is important.
"To be able to have a celebration here makes it feel like home," said Mogaka, who shared with the audience the symbols she displays in her Madison home to reinforce the holiday's principles.
There's a small mat - the foundation upon which everything rests - and a candleholder for seven candles, which traditionally represent aspects of the family.
Ears of corn stand for her son, Woodie, who attends UW- Madison.
There are photos of her parents, Herman and Bernice Carter, who died two years ago, five days apart.
She keeps a quilt of Mississippi cotton, handed down from her grandmother and made of clothing scraps from her ancestors.
"I wrap my family around me," she said.
Mogaka is a community educator with Mentoring Connections, which seeks mentors for the children of incarcerated parents. She said Kwanzaa helps her retain an upbeat outlook even when confronted with struggles.
"I always have hope," Mogaka said.
"And when do we get to air our grievances?"
Right here, every day of the year, Kwanza or not. God Bless Free Republic! :)
NO.
I'm an American. I despise political correctness.
I could care less if people want to celebrate Kwanzaa or any other holiday they want to make up. Just stay out of my face when I want to celebrate Christmas, Easter or any other holiday I choose !!!
that's the point, its all just made up. ala scientology. what's an easy way to get wealthy?, according to l ron hubbard, make up a religion. follow the path.
Uht-Oh! It's back to the 'PC Re-Education Camp' for YOU!
Don't be hatin'! ;) (I loathe this stuff, too.)
"Ears of corn stand for her son, Woodie, who attends UW- Madison."
- "Friends, Romans - and you too Woodie! Lend me your ears."
Those who understand it want nothing to do with it.
Here's Ann Coulter on Kwanzaa.
lolololol I gotsta get some re-edumacation!!!
A few years back, in Boston, Kwaazai celebrants wouldn't let a white reporter in to observe the "festivities".
Barf...
Thank you! I was waiting for that. :)
Thank you! :) Ann Rocks!
You are right on the money!!!!! Very well said.
Be sure to check out the 'Charlie Brown Kwanzaa' at YouTube.
LOL
On the other hand, I don't think you care what people call ya' :)
The cold hard truth offends some folks. And I say, keep offending them until they understand. :)
I don't know how anyone can read anything about Kwanzaa and not laugh and wonder at the cupidity and stupidity of the people "celebrating" a made-up holiday invented by a racist criminal.
Anyone have the futurama image of the Kwanzaa bot passing out the traditonal kwanzaa gift. "What the hell is kwanzaa"
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