Kwanzaa Celebrates 'First Fruits' of Season

Culture, community and family will be enjoyed at the Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m., during its annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Kwanzaa is a seven day holiday to celebrate culture, community and family that lasts from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.  In Swahili, Kwanzaa means "first fruits" and the Kwanzaa celebration is based on ancient African harvest celebrations.  Dr. Maulana Karenga created the holiday in 1966 to bring strength and unity to African American culture. 

Kwanzaa encompasses seven principles, each given its own day in the celebration.  The principles or Nguzo Saba  are:

1.       Umoja/Unity

2.       Kujichagalia/Self Determination

3.       Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility

4.       Ujaama/Cooperative Economics

5.       Nia/Purpose

6.       Kuumba/Creativity

7.       Imani /Faith

According to Laura Lieberman, executive director of the CAC, the Kwanzaa event has been going on at the arts center for more than 20 years.

"It's sponsored by the ladies of the Douglas County Connections," she said.  "It's just another one of our great holiday traditions.  It's continued so long because of the great job the DCC does every year. 

"Our event focuses on the Kuumba―the creativity," she said.  "There's a lot of hands-on activities for the children.  The children also get to talk about the honoring aspect of the holiday."

This year's event will be presented by Douglas County resident Khadijah Abdullah-Fardan and music will be provided by the students of Conyers Middle School directed by Mrs. A'ishah Blackford. 

Those in attendance will learn about the history and practice of Kwanzaa, the seven principles and symbols, music and dance.  Families will have the opportunity to participate in a "Harvest Bags" activity for the New Year.