Kwanzaa: Love it or hate it, its core principles endure

Today, 45 years after its first observance in California, the week-long African American- cultural holiday of Kwanzaa remains steeped in misunderstanding and mystery. In some circles, it still struggles to gain legitimacy.

Some, such as conservative columnist Anne Coulter, deride it as “a lunatic blend of schmaltzy ’60s rhetoric, black racism and Marxism.” Others, such as President Obama, compare its seven underlying principles to “the very values that make us Americans.’’

As the Mahoning Valley joined the rest of the nation Monday night in marking the start of the holiday week at New Bethel Baptist Church in Youngstown, it is an opportune time to demystify the festival, debunk myths surrounding it and reinforce its legitimacy as an observance that African-Americans – and all Americans – can embrace.

NOT RELIGIOUS OR SEPARATIST

Coming as it does during the heart of Christianity’s most hallowed season, it is easy for some to perceive Kwanzaa as a religious celebration. Targeted as it is toward black Americans, it is easy for other nationalities and ethnic groups to simply ignore.

Kwanzaa, however, is neither religious in its foundation nor exclusionary in its message. It is not America’s “black Christmas,” as some have misrepresented it over the past four decades.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, who organized the first Kwanzaa in the United States in 1966, clearly states the purpose of the holiday:

“In its most essential understanding and expression, Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture with each providing a context and commitment of common ground, cooperative practice and shared good.”

Of course, the cultural message is aimed primarily at blacks. Kwanzaa, which in Swahili means the celebration of first fruits, accentuates values that reinforce African family, community and cultural values.

But as Karenga also points out, people of other cultures can and do celebrate Kwanzaa, just as people of all cultures mark Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day or Columbus Day.

Indeed, the seven guiding principles, or “Nguzo Saba,” of Kwanzaa give valuable guidance to all Americans. Those values, one of which is celebrated during each day of Kwanzaa, include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

ATTACKS AGAINST FOUNDER

But despite the universally positive attributes of those principles, some continue to assail the holiday with ad hominem attacks against its founder. Yes, Maulana Karenga was found guilty some four decades ago of felony assault against women, and yes, in the 1960s he was a major player in a black separatist group in California with ties to the militant Black Panthers. But those ignominious stains on the man’s past do not invalidate the value of the holiday or the worthiness and relevance of its ideals today.

Most recognize as much as Kwanzaa increasingly has gone mainstream. This month the U.S. Postal Service has issued an illustrated commemorative Forever Stamp for the holiday. Widely respected poet Maya Angelou has narrated a highly-acclaimed documentary on the holiday, “The Black Candle.” Presidential proclamations for Kwanzaa are routinely issued to the nation.

Its increased legitimacy and popularity are easily understood. When one sheds Kwanzaa of the misconceptions and fallacies surrounding it, what remains are core ideals that offer black Americans and all Americans guidance to lead productive, fulfilling and honorable lives each day of the holiday week and every day of the year.