The Office of Diversity and Inclusion brought spirituality and unity to students ahead of Kwanzaa

Courtesy of Rodnae Production

By Sharon Nimyel & Amani Bayo

Students were encouraged to attend the PreKwanzaa event hosted by Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center’s flagship event Friday that commemorated the celebration of Kwanzaa.  

Students engaged in ceremonial traditions of the holiday and learned about spirituality and unity as essential aspects of African culture. A sentence or two summarizing what they did at the event.

According to the Official Kwanzaa website, Kwanzaa is a holiday that was established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Recognized annually between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, it is meant to recognize the African community and send a cultural message of what it means to be African through its seven principles of unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. 

Aniyah Rosemond, a second-year in neuroscience and member of Zeta Phi Beta said attending the event was not only a learning opportunity but an inspiration.

“I really didn't know about it too much before I came here, and just standing here and listening to everyone and lighting the candles myself,” Rosemond said. “Kwanzaa to me is about Black Power, black knowledge, black resilience, really knowing your true outcomes, your true self, and self-power, really is how I view it”

Program coordinator Taylor Washington planned activities for the event that taught students the highlights of celebrating Kwanzaa. Those included a lighting ceremony, known as the kinara, by the NPHC. Kinara is a Swahili term for the candle holder. The tradition represents the uniting of the seven principles as one candle is lit for each day within the week of Kwanzaa.  

Also at the event, Senior Vice Provost Charlene Gilbert gave a speech about self-love. The event closed with karamu, a traditional feast, and a performance from the Thiossane West African Dance institute. 

Washington said hosting a joyful and light-hearted event that is intended to uplift Black folk is a nice change of pace when representing the Black community. 

“A lot of the Black experience is alway told from the point of trauma or pain from the entertainment industry and beyond, it's always about suffering,” Washington said. 

Andre Brown, assistant director of the Hale CenterI said this event is held annually to promote positivity at the close of the semester

“We're focusing on our community and positively connecting our community,” Brown said.

Dieynabou Diallo, a first-year in computer science, said she was able to resonate with Gilbert’s speech about self-love and connected it with her personal experiences. She said attending this event was a relaxing end to the autumn semester.   

“All the things she said I could relate to where it's like you are in a position where you are belittled and as being a black woman in my field, I am always belittled,” Diallo said.

Victor Adebayo, a fifth-year in biology said he appreciated how Kwanzaa promoted the idea of togetherness and inclusion which can be celebrated by everyone. 

“I like how whether or not people celebrate Kwanzaa or not that the event is very inclusive and welcoming.  And brings a lot of people together to celebrate this event,” Adebayo said.