Portland is no stranger to Kwanzaa. For years there have been Kwanzaa events at the boxing gym on Knott Street. Mother Joyce Harris has lead and kept the tradition going for years. This cultural ceremony which starts out lighting the black candle symbolizes the first Kwanzaa principle of Unity – Black unity. Portland’s past Kwanzaa events had vendors, food and children. Education about the cultural celebration is always first.
The week long celebration and recognition of Black culture was mainly founded by Dr. Maulanga Karenga, an activist and leader in the Black Power Movement. He founded the US organization to rebuild Black neighborhoods and promote a Black cultural revolution that would inspire pride in Black history and achievements. This was during an era where Black greatness was blatantly dismissed and suppressed.
Why Celebrate Kwanzaa?
On each night, a candle is lit to observe the nguzo saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Kwanzaa has a greeting and response. “Habari Gani!” means What’s the news? To that greeting you say one of the above principles on that day. A Kwanzaa response – ashè is similar to saying Amen. After libations are poured from the unity cup, the word ashè is said in a call a response. Then seven harambes are chanted by all.
A Message from Dr. Maulanga Karenga :
HERI ZA KWANZAA. HAPPY KWANZAA to African people everywhere throughout the world African com-munity. And we share these greetings also with all peoples of goodwill and especially with all the oppressed, progressive and struggling peoples of the world. Again, this year we bring and send you all Kwanzaa greetings of celebration, solidarity and continued struggle for a shared good in the world. And in the words and way of our ancestors, we wish for you all things good, pure and beautiful, all the good that heaven grants, the earth produces, and the waters bring forth from their depths. Hotep. Ashe. Heri.”
What is Kwanzaa?
