Local Group urges BK Community to Celebrate Kwanzaa Everyday

During the week of Kwanzaa, when someone greets you with Habari Gani? do you sometimes struggle to remember the principle for the day? Perhaps this happens because we celebrate the special holiday only seven days at the end of each year. The Brooklyn Community Recovery Center wants to change that. This year the group hosted their first “Seven Principles of Kwanzaa” celebration during Black History Month. The group feels that the principles, or the Nguzo Saba, should serve as a daily guide. “These principles are not just done for seven days,” said Richard, one of the event organizers “They are recommended as a lifestyle.”

The event featured speakers from the community representing each principle and an interactive musical performance by music therapist and educator Sahuspete.

During the event the group handed out a pamphlet that defined the meaning of Kwanzaa. The name Kwanzaa is derived from a phrase that means “first fruits” in Swahili. “Each family celebrated Kwanzaa it’s own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances,” stated the pamphlet. The Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are “values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans.”

Cohesiveness and coming together as a community was a recurring theme throughout the event. “We have to choose unity,” said Walter, who spoke on the first principle, Umoja. “It has to be something that burns in your heart...Organize right where you are...Rent is high. Food is high. This is a call for Unity,” he said.

Other presenters Anthony, Phil, Shawnee, Joann, Pamela, Jay, Christen and Elvay gave talks ranging from motivational to historical.

Regarding self determination or Kujichagulia, Phil said that he would no longer call himself “Black” but instead would embrace calling himself “African American” or a descendant of Africa. “I have an origin and that is Africa,” he said.

Joann, who presented on Ujima, collective work and responsibility, said that Kwanzaa is about “us working together to solve our problems.” Adding to this, Pamela representing Ujamaa, cooperative economics, said “It’s our responsibility to teach this to our children on the daily basis. Wealth isn’t always about money. Teach what you know,” she said.

Speaking of knowledge Elvay, the last speaker gave a wide ranging presentation on Imani or faith that connected history with current events. “Imani has gotten us to where we are today he said in reference to having survived the middle passage, the enslavement period, Jim Crow, etc. “We have to remind ourselves we are the descendants of great empires,” he said.

The Brooklyn Community Recovery Center is a community responsive, peer-driven support center. Services include Recovery Coaching, referrals, women's healing group, computer and lab classes, AA and NA Meetings, parenting classes, mediation and yoga, veterans services, educational and vocational services and resume assistance. For more information call 347-382-9995.

*Photo by Yaw Asare Aboagye