Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter
Chafari Campbell reads one of the principles of Kwanzaa as Dr. Louise Spencer-Strachan listens intently. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
Some were dressed in African garb, some in regular clothes, but they all came to Ashanti Restaurant in Hope Gardens on Saturday to celebrate Kwanzaa, the 41-year-old non-religious African-American holiday.
They shared stories, music and food in a family setting that focused on the youth present, as well as the economics of life.
Author Dr. Louise Spencer-Strachan got the children involved by making them read the seven principles of Kwanzaa. She also engaged everyone in discussing the economics of time, self-economics, as well as the economics of business.
Yvonne Hope, owner of Ashanti, says the celebration was the the second such held at the restaurant in Hope Gardens.
"It started as a way to bring the community together, to bring back the meaning of family," she told Lifestyle.
Reggae artiste Lenky Roy entertained the celebrants with two of his hit songs, Babylon Don't Like and Bang Belly.
Later, the children played games while Bebble Rock Music continued the entertainment with conscious lyrics.
DEFINITION OF KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is a unique African-American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance.
Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than 18 million people worldwide. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional 'a' to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the African-American celebration (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).
Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.
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: Emphasises 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 honouring 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.
Singer Marcia Griffiths (left) seems to have more than just musical talent as she has (from left) Terrence Francis, Empress Thunderous and Yvonne Hope almost in stitches.
