The 7-day holiday is based in African tradition

The holiday runs through Tuesday.

By DENISE DICK

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — Unity marks the first of seven principles observed in the celebration of Kwanzaa.

“Ultimately, we would like you all to celebrate the holiday at home as well as publicly,” Lynnette Miller, one of the organizers of the Kwanzaa celebration, told attendees Wednesday at New Bethel Baptist Church.

Wednesday was the first day of Kwanzaa, a holiday rooted in African culture. It runs through Tuesday, and other public celebrations are planned through the week.

“It’s important that we teach our young people the principles of Kwanzaa,” Miller said.

Kwanzaa celebrates positive life principles and harvest time.

Umoja, or unity, is the first principle.

“It’s unity in the family, the community, the nation and the race,” Miller said.

The other principles are Kujichagulia, or self-determination; Ujima, or collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, cooperative economics; Nia, purpose; Kuumba, creativity; and Imani, or faith.

African dances performed by members of the Harambee Youth Organization were woven through Wednesday’s observance. Young men pounded the rhythms on their drums while young women moved to the driving beat.

Miller’s daughter, Zakiya Miller, said her family celebrates Kwanzaa in their home each year as well as during public events.

“I have been celebrating Kwanzaa for all 22 — almost 23 — years of my life,” she said.

Each night during the seven-day observance, family members take time to reflect upon that day’s principle, she said.

That reflection involves how that principle has been employed during the year and goals for applying it in the next.

They light a candle, beginning with the one symbolizing unity, until on the seventh day, all of the candles for all of the principles are lit.

According to www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org, Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili. It was established in 1966.