Sage lessons of Kwanzaa needed now more than ever

Has Kwanzaa lost its soul? Judging by polls that show interest waning in the weeklong African-American observance of seven core principles for leading honorable lives, one might begin to believe so.

For example, in a poll by theroot.com, a website devoted to African-American news and commentary, only 35 percent of respondents say they formally observe the seven-day period of honoring African-American heritage and internalizing universally positive ideals.

Keith Mayes, a black studies scholar and University of Minnesota professor, says the popularity of Kwanzaa has “leveled off” as the black power movement has declined, and now only between 500,000 and 2 million celebrate Kwanzaa, less than 5 percent of African-Americans.

But truth be told, after a year in which civil unrest, rioting and racial tensions have dominated the headlines, the undergirding philosophies of Kwanzaa have gained increased significance.

The cultural celebration begins today and continues through New Year’s Day 2016. In Youngstown, the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon will lead the opening Kwanzaa ceremony at 5:30 p.m. today at New Bethel Baptist Church on Hillman Street.

TIMELY LESSONS OF KWANZAA

As Americans enter the final days of a particularly divisive and troubling year for race relations, all of us – black and white alike – can take some comfort in embracing the principles that define Kwanzaa.

As we struggle to make sense of the horrid massacre last June of nine African-Americans inside a black Charleston, S.C., church, as we take stock of the string of shooting deaths of young black men by white police officers and as we search for ways to close this nation’s rigid racial divide, the ideals of Kwanzaa can be instructive.

Many of the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa create a framework for individual and collective problem-solving and growth. Among them are unity, faith, collective work and responsibility.

For maximum effectiveness, however, the Kwanzaa holiday must be stripped of much of the mystery and misunderstanding that devalue it. In some circles, after all, it still struggles to gain legitimacy.

As the Mahoning Valley joins the rest of the nation in marking the start of the holiday, it is an opportune time to demystify the festival, debunk myths surrounding it and reinforce its legitimacy as an observance that black Americans – and all Americans – should appreciate.

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 ethnic groups to simply ignore.

Kwanzaa, however, is neither religious in its foundation nor exclusionary in its message. Dr. Maulana Karenga, who organized the first Kwanzaa in the United States in 1966, clearly states in his Kwanzaa message to the nation 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.

Kwanzaa is inclusive

But as Karenga points out, people of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds can and do celebrate Kwanzaa, just as people of all cultures mark Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, Italian-American heritage festivals and other ethnic-specific observances throughout the year.

Indeed, some of the seven guiding principles, or “Nguzo Saba,” of Kwanzaa transcend racial and ethnic boundaries. 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).

When we shed Kwanzaa of the misconceptions and fallacies surrounding it, what remains are the core ideals that offer black Americans and all Americans guidance to lead productive, fulfilling and honorable lives.

In addition, let us hope that these seven days of Kwanzaa will motivate all participants to carry allegiance to its core principles into 2016 as viable tools to tone down racial strife and to tune up multicultural harmony.