Latimore: Kwanzaa a means to enlighten and encourage all races
As African Americans, many of us have very little knowledge of our origins. For many years, we have faced identity crises.
Much of the history about our ancestor's contributions to society is not bound in text books or popular publications. In addition to these circumstances, quite a few of our predecessors were slaves.
When all of these elements are added up, it's mentally disturbing. This observation is not stated as a blame game; instead, it's a call for action to come up with solutions.
One solution is that we should embrace celebrations such as Kwanzaa. And by no means does Kwanzaa take the place of Christmas.
Maulana Karenga, a social activist and professor of Africana studies, strategically created the holiday around a mainstream jubilee. Although Christmas is a universal celebration, in the United States symbols of Jesus Christ and Santa Claus do not represent an array of cultures.
It's not normal to see either of those persons as people of color.
In spite of the fact that Kwanzaa has a Pan-African influence, all types of people can use the principles to empower their family and loved ones.
Karenga uses the Swahili language to convey the concepts of Kwanzaa to help our troubled race of people learn about the culture and lifestyle of our likeness. The best way for people to avoid feeling like outcasts is to give them a sense of belonging.
Karaenga named the observance Kwanzaa because it represents first fruits of a harvest.
Briefly, there are seven main ideas, or principles, that make up Kwanzaa. Each principle is expressed to motivate people to take action. The subject of each day is designed to be incorporated into an individual life to make a better community for everyone.
The first is Umoja, which means unity. The second one is Kujichagulia, which stands for self determination. Third, we have Ujima, which stresses collective work and responsibility. The fourth one is Ujamaa, which focuses on cooperative economics. Fifth is Nia, which highlights purpose. The sixth one is Kuumba, which means creativity. Finally, the seventh principle is Imani, and its translation is faith.
Even though Kwanzaa celebrations start Dec. 26 and run through Jan. 1, these fundamentals can be practiced seven days a week throughout the entire year. There are many other tools and activities involved with the festivities to help the participants follow through with incorporating the principles into their every day routine.
One solution to help African Americans become more engaged citizens is for us to know our history, which spans from the continent of Africa throughout the whole world. It's also very important for people of other persuasions to take notice of African Americans' contributions to building a society that we're all a part of.
On a final note, I challenge everyone to learn as much as you can about your fellow human beings. A diverse outlook on life can help us stand united.
Celebrating Kwanzaa is not the total solution, but it's a step to help empower those of us who are oppressed.
Yolanda "Y-O" Latimore is founder of Poetic Peace Arts and director of Like Water Publicity, a media and booking agency. Contact her at ylatimore@gmail.com.
This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Latimore: Kwanzaa a means to enlighten and encourage all races ."