BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Dozens of people came together at the PS39 Studios to learn about and celebrate Kwanzaa with the Esther M. Lee African American Heritage Center Saturday night.
Chaplain and retired educator Sharon Brown spoke at the event, which included a review of the history of Kwanzaa, an explanation of the Seven Principles, and a feast with the community, all in celebration of African American culture.
The holiday, which runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, was first created by activist Maulana Karenga in 1966, and was based on harvest festivals held in Africa, with the name coming from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.”
The Heritage Center chose to host the event to spread awareness of the holiday, as well as to speak on the history of African Americans in the Lehigh Valley by sharing their stories.
“We try to inform people about what the Heritage Center is going to be — the stories, the lives of African Americans in Bethlehem. And we’re going to encourage people that live here to get to know and tell us their stories, so they become a part of the center. That’s what it’s all about."Esther M. Lee
Means and methods of celebration can vary and may include singing and dancing, African drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, a traditional meal called Karamu (which tends to fall on the sixth day), and lighting the kinara, a candleholder with seven candles representing the seven principles.
“I thought the turnout was very good. Everyone was so engaged, and they just brought in a real beautiful spirit and everything. They were a great crowd,” Brown said.
According to Brown, events like these are valuable for a diverse community like the Lehigh Valley so “we can learn about one another’s culture and cultural celebrations that are important to a community.”
Following a reading by Karenga, Brown led a discussion on the meaning behind each principle before she or a volunteer from the audience would light it.
Learning the seven principles
The seven principles include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
"...Engaging in celebrations such as Kwanzaa and building groups like the Heritage Center are vital parts of preserving their culture."Esther M. Lee
Fountain Hill-based artist Yodi Vaden, who specializes in African works and previously played African drums, lit the candle for Nia on Saturday. As he did so, he explained his own sense of purpose — helping to preserve the Swahili language and spread it locally.
“It's a language that's part of Kwanzaa, and just like the other parts of Kwanzaa, we explore them like we explore the principles throughout the year. Principles range from purpose to faith, to cooperative economics, you know, etc. And so I would ask people to start being more small business oriented, you know, and just simply start learning the language,” Vaden said, adding he expects to attend another three Kwanzaa ceremonies this year.
As Esther Lee — who provided the blessing to start the ceremony on Saturday, and who you might recognize as the former producer of WLVT's Black Exposure — put it, engaging in celebrations such as Kwanzaa and building groups like the Heritage Center are vital parts of preserving their culture.
“We try to inform people about what the Heritage Center is going to be — the stories, the lives of African Americans in Bethlehem. And we’re going to encourage people that live here to get to know and tell us their stories, so they become a part of the center. That’s what it’s all about,” Lee said.
Skylah Ruiz, 11, said Saturday’s event was her first time attending a public Kwanzaa celebration.
“Seeing a lot of people here, it kind of made me happy, but I wouldn’t say I had a favorite part,” Ruiz said.
“I’ve learned a lot before, but I learned some new stuff tonight.”
Just before the meal began, Brown led the crowd in a chant of "Harambee," a Swahili phrase which translates to "Let's pull together," or "Let's unite."
Brown said that the sense of community and the ideas behind the principles are particularly vital in an age where oligarchs have become even more powerful. Now, she said, is the time to remember those values and unite to keep the community strong.
“That's what Dr. Karenga’s piece is all about, that you know that these are difficult times. And so all the Seven Principles, the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), sort of give us a road map to be determined, to have faith, to help others, and a lot of them all included talking about justice, the oppressed, not only here, but around the world. I think that the message from Dr. Karenga is so incredibly relevant for a time such as this,” Brown said as she greeted and embraced guests.
