Portland Observer Section II December 20, 1979 Page 13
KWANZA -
OUR BLACK HOLIDAYS
B Y Joyce Braden Harris
¿wanza is a holiday based on the traditional harvest eer-
onies o f West A frica. Kwanza is a Swahili word
aning “ first fruits” . Traditionally African people
rked hard throughout the year earing for their crops
I when it was time to harvest the crops a big celebration
. held. Everyone contributed something they had grown
the festivities. African people joined together to share
he fruits of collective work and enjoy the common
thin, harmony and peace so deeply rooted in the spirit
he community.
luring the late 1960's Ron Karenga recognized the need
Black people to have a holiday that reflected the
iness of our African heritage and one that would give
tuidance and inspiration for the future. Kwanza served
need for a holiday based on African traditions. Since
st of us d o n ’t plant and harvest crops we cannot
■brate the harvest of the first fruits. Our L“ first fruits”
the accomplishments we have made and the concrete
ks we have built throughout the year in our struggle
freedom and equal rights. Our “ first fruits” are the
nges that are beginning to take place in our minds, our
s and in our community.
he KWANZA celebration lasts for seven days, begin-
g on Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1. Each day of Kwanza
resents one of "T h e Seven Principles of Blackness”
,uzo Saba), a system of values for Black people de-
tped by Ron Karenga. Each day is dedicated to reflec-
; upon the principle and how we can incorporate it into
daily lives. The seven days of Kwanza and the values
[ they represent are: Dec. 26— Umoja— Unity; Dec.
Kujichaguha—Self Determination: Dec. 28—Ujima—
-U jim a —Collective Work and Responsibility; Dec.
-Ju a rn a a — C o o perative
Econom ics;
Dec.
-¡\'ia— Purpose; Dec. .11—Kuum ba— Creativity; Jan
Imam — Faith in Blackness.
Black people in Portland have celebrated Kwanza for
the last seven years; again it is time for us to come together
and celebrate our survival. Kwanza is a time for Black
people to acknowledge the progress we have made in our
struggle for freedom and equal rights and to set even
higher goals for the future. Kwanza is a real example of
the traditional unity which has existed among Black people
throughout history. Kwanza expresses the true nature of
Black people sharing and working together for the positive
development of the Black community.
The Black Educational Center invites the Black com­
munity to join us in celebrating Kwanza this year. All ac­
tivities will take place at the Black Educational Center,
1640 NE Alberta St.
1979 KWANZA FESTIVAL OF EVENTS
Dec. 26
Umoja— Unity
Students from the Black Educational Cen-
ter will present a special Kwanza program
of songs, dances and a skit. Begins at
7:30pm.
Dec. 27: Kujtcha-K special ceremony to provide a child
guha—Self-deter with an adult outside of the immediate fain-
mination
ily who can give the child spiritual guidance
in the ways of the world. Begins at 7:30 pm.
Dec. 31: Ala/nh»—“Creative Fashions for the Black Family.”
Creativity
A fashion show of custom designed fashions
for all members of the family. Music, po­
etry. Begins at 7:30pm.
Jan. I: Imam— Bung a dish and slcire in die lestivtues. Good
Faith in Blackness muse. Good vibrations. Begins at 1.00 pm.
For further information call the Talking Drum Book­
store, 282-9465 between 2:30 and 6:00 ptn.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
FROM THE PEOPLE
OF
Dec. 28: Ujima— Ronnie Herndon’s Acting Troupe will pre-
Collective Work sent a Ronnie Herndon original play
a
and Responsibility humorous look at a serious topic Black
people working together for the gixxl ol all.
Begins at 7:30 pm.
Dec. 29 Ujatnau— A Kwanza bazaar featuring GUMBO an
Cooperative Eco- African dish, all you can eat $2.50.
N( )M ICS
Bake Sale . t rafts. Begins at 6:00 pm.
Dec. 30: A w -
1‘urpose
A CHILDREN’S KWANZA PROGRAM
A special appearance by Anthony the magi­
cian. Storytelling, crafts, fun! 2:00pm.
G.I. JOE'S INC.
3900 n. Vancouver ave.____________ 283-1171
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