The scene of this year’s KWANZAA events convened at the St Johns Lutheran Church located in the West Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville. The 12th annual event was hosted by Ms. Dreaka Arnae of Dignified Virtue Steam Center.
Focusing on the third principle “Ujima,” panelists elaborated on the principles collective work and responsibility definition. The audience was open to the dialogue of the Kwanzaa message and interpretation. “This is where the village comes in for our community,” said attendee Kayla Johns.
Held December 26th – January 1st, the weekly celebration highlights African Swahili grammar that describes the following seven principles: Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-determination); Ujima (Collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
Rising out of the 1970s black power movement, Kwanza was founded by activist, author and professor Maulana Karenga, “to give black people an alternative to the existing holiday of Christmas and give black people an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history.”