Seven principles of Kwanzaa celebrated at Youngstown church

By Elise Franco

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Lewis Macklin II said he hopes to see Kwanzaa move past being a tradition celebrated only by blacks.

The Rev. Mr. Macklin, pastor at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Youngstown, said the seven principles discussed and celebrated during Kwanzaa are principles all people can understand and embody.

“During this time, we all need to passionately examine and look at what we can do and should do to progress as a people,” he said.

Kwanzaa, a traditionally black American secular holiday, consists of seven days of celebration, each day representing a separate cultural value. It was created by Ron Karenga, a California professor, and was first celebrated in 1966.

Holy Trinity opened its doors for a service Sunday afternoon, the second day of Kwanzaa called Kujichagulia, or self-determination, to celebrate all seven principles.

The other six principles are Umoja, unity; Ujima, collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, cooperative economics; Nia, purpose; Kuumba, creativity; and Imani, faith.

Mr. Macklin said a candle is lit on each day of Kwanzaa, saving Imani, or faith, for last.

“Faith represents that resilience that we know we’re going to move forward and make it,” he said.

Mr. Macklin said he implemented the service when he became pastor 13 years ago.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.