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First 2015 Kwanzaa event draws hundreds to New Bethel
YOUNGSTOWN
Video
Umoja (unity), the first of several events for Kwanzaa, an African-American cultural celebration aimed at empowering the black community, got underway Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are “essential for our survival in this nation,” said the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, pastor of New Bethel and the event’s keynote speaker.
Given the times, when young black men are being killed by police; with the attack on and demise of public education, and the political scene, black people ought to be scared, he said.
“If we don’t wake up, we will find ourselves back on the plantation,” the Rev. Mr. Simon said.
Black people should support black businesses. When we do that, we are supporting the black community,” he said.
Part of Saturday’s event at New Bethel, which has hosted Kwanzaa events for 30 or 40 years, was music and dancing provided by the Harambee Youth Organization and Karamu.
Harambee is a Swahili word that means “let’s all pull together,” Mr. Simon said.
“I’m thankful for the principles that empower us and the Harambee’s leadership and parents and its wonderful young people,” Mr. Simon said.
“They display who we really are as African-American people. May we leave here tonight empowered,” he said.
The skillful performances by Harambee’s male drummers and female dancers drew enthusiastic applause and cheers from the several hundred who attended the event.
Co-coordinators of the Harambee Youth Organization are Lynnette and Ron Miller.
Among the audience were people who have participated in Kwanzaa most of their lives and others for whom it was a first.
Crystal Davis, a New Bethel member, said she has been involved for 40 years, starting as a member of Harambee.
“I was raised with it, and I got my son, Jelani, who is now 23, involved,” Davis said.
“Kwanzaa provides an opportunity to focus on the seven principles and the things you need to do in life to achieve unity and self-determination and to use your resources to support your own community,” she said.
Charles Winphrie, 85, of Youngstown, also a member of New Bethel, was one of the first-timers at a Kwanzaa event.
The Army veteran said he wanted to see what it’s like. He brought his great-grandsons, Shawn Winphrie, 10, and Marcus Winphrie, 14.
Walter S. Reynolds said it was not his first Kwanzaa, but it was the first time his daughter, Olivia, 4, performed.
Tammie Riddle, who home-schools Olivia and another granddaughter, Antonashia White, said Kwanzaa brings unity and helps the children connect with African culture, and gives them self-esteem and a foundation of unity. It’s a positive experience, she said.