A Little Rock-area observance of Kwanzaa, described as a celebration of "family, community and culture," was held Dec. 26-Jan. 1 to highlight each of the holiday's seven principles, also known as the Nguzo Saba.
Coordinated by Garbo Hearne, owner of Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing and Hearne Fine Art, and Phyllis Brown, Kwanzaa observances were held midday in various locations on both sides of the Arkansas River: Umoja (unity), Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing; Kujichagulia (self-determination), the West Central Community Center; Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Better Community Development Inc.; Ujamma (cooperative economics), Harambee Market; Nia (purpose), the Josephine Pankey Center; Kuumba (creativity), The House of Art; and Imani (faith), Simply Najiyyah's Fishboat & More.
Kwanzaa tables, draped in black, red and green, were the centerpieces of the ceremonies. Each table held a kinara, or candleholder, bearing the mishumaa saba (the candles -- three green, three red and one black -- represent the principles); the mazao (crops) and ears of colored corn to represent the children; the kikombe cha umoja (unity cup) used for libations; and the mkeka, or mat, undergirding the arrangement. Each ceremony began with a call to order and the pouring of a tambiko (libation) in remembrance of departed ancestors, and culminated with a speaker who shared thoughts on the day's principle. Afterward came the lighting of the candles. Guests shared how, in the coming year, they would carry forth the featured principle in their lives. At each observance, new or gently used books were collected to donate to the Dorcas House for survivors of domestic violence.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa, created by Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa's name, according to Officialkwanzaawebsite.org, comes from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which is Swahili for "first fruits."
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 01/15/2017