Celebrate Kwanzaa in Athens: A Prideful Tribute to Culture and Community

A multi-day celebration of Kwanzaa is set to take place in Athens from December 26 to 31, bringing together families and individuals to engage in cultural festivities. This event will feature an array of activities, from children’s programs and traditional drumming to community discussions and a fashion show. Organized by local educators, artists, and volunteers, including Dwight Acey and Mokah Johnson, this marks the fourth year of Kwanzaa celebrations in Athens—and it promises to be a joyful occasion for all.

The Origins of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was established in 1966 by scholar Maulana Karenga in Los Angeles, aimed at providing African Americans a way to reconnect with their African heritage and uphold community values. The holiday arose in a time of tension and civil unrest, particularly following the Watts uprising in 1965 that spotlighted issues of police brutality and racial discrimination. Kwanzaa serves not just as a cultural festivity but as a historical reflection on resilience and identity.

Personal Reflections: Dwight Acey’s Story

Dwight Acey’s introduction to Kwanzaa came as a teenager in 1968. The celebration left a profound impact on him. “James Baldwin used to say that to be an African American is to be an African with no memory, an American with no privilege. [Kwanzaa] gave us a chance to look at who we were, what our past was, what our history was and to bring us together,” he recalls. Acey’s enduring commitment to Kwanzaa reflects a family tradition, as he continues this meaningful practice with his children and grandchildren.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits,” symbolizing harvest celebrations across various African cultures. To emphasize the significance of the holiday, Dr. Karenga designed Kwanzaa with seven principles, each represented by a candle on a kinara. The colors—three red, three green, and one black—add depth to this meaningful ritual.

Principles Explained

1. Umoja (Unity): Advocates for working together for the collective benefit.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Encourages individuals to speak for themselves and define their identity.
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Emphasizes community engagement and social responsibility. Small acts, such as cleaning a neighborhood, exemplify this principle.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Urges members to support local businesses, thereby strengthening community economics.
5. Nia (Purpose): Focuses on setting intentions for community growth and personal direction.
6. Kuumba (Creativity): Celebrates the creative nature of the Black community and encourages innovative contributions.
7. Imani (Faith): Captures the essence of having faith in one’s history, leaders, and the potential for a better future.

Kwanzaa in Athens: A Celebration for Everyone

Upon moving to Athens, Acey noticed the absence of a vibrant Kwanzaa celebration in the community. Determined to make a difference, he collaborated with Johnson and other local activists to create an inclusive event open to all, regardless of background or beliefs. “Kwanzaa has no religious component… it’s designed to bring people from different religious and political backgrounds together,” Acey emphasizes.

Event Schedule: Engage and Celebrate

This year’s Kwanzaa events offer various opportunities to learn and connect with the principles:

• Friday, Dec. 26: Umoja (Unity) – Cultural Competence Strategies for Community Advancement, featuring guest speaker Jennine Labuzan-DeLane at First AME Church.

• Saturday, Dec. 27: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – Discussing Education as a Healing Practice, hosted by Christina Hylton at the ACC Library.

• Sunday, Dec. 28: Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) – Community Conversations with Athens’ Mayoral Candidates, co-hosted by Kirrena Gallagher and Rick Dunn at ACC Library.

• Tuesday, Dec. 30: Nia (Purpose) – Children’s Reading and Craft Program, led by Freda Giles at the ACC Library.

• Wednesday, Dec. 31: Kuumba (Creativity) – Fashion Show, Community Potluck, and Live Performances hosted by Mokah Johnson at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

As the Athens community comes together to honor Kwanzaa, it underscores the festival’s mission of unity, cultural appreciation, and shared responsibility, inviting all to partake in a celebration rich with history and hope.