BLACKS TO CELEBRATE KWANSAA

Thanksgiving is over. Or is it?

For those who consider the fourth Thursday of November the only traditional day for giving thanks, it is over. But for African Americans who honor Kwansaa, which symbolizes the first fruits of harvest in agricultural societies, there is still one more time to offer thanks.

Kwansaa (pronounced Kwan-suh) is a time of thanksgiving as well as rededication to African American principles and culture. It is typically celebrated between Dec. 26 and New Year's Day, seven days for seven principles. However, Kwansaa can be celebrated any time of the year.

May Greene Elementary teacher Marie Walker teaches the principles of Kwansaa to her children and students throughout the school year.

"The principles of Kwansaa should be practiced on a daily basis, not just one time a year," Walker said. "Principles of honesty, helping others, caring about the community and the way you live are things that we should be concerned about every day. It should be a way of life, not just a once-a-year tradition."

George Dordoni, assistant director of Southeast Missouri State University's assistance center, said Kwansaa has been an American tradition since the '60s. Dordoni has directed education programs at Southeast on the history and practice of Kwansaa.

Kwansaa can be traced to Dr. Maulana Karenga, a black nationalist scholar who saw a need for a holiday that was more relevant to the conditions and aspirations of black American families.

So he studied African and American cultures, deriving certain symbols, rituals and bringing them together for the seven values or principles.

The principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

The first Kwanzaa celebration was held in 1965. It is a tradition to pour a beverage into a cup in remembrance of the ancestors on all special occasions.

Kwanzaa is considered just such an occasion because it provides an opportunity to reflect on the African past and the American present.

Water is suggested because it holds the essence of life. The beverage is placed in a communal cup and poured in the direction of the four winds: north, south, east and west. It is then passed among family members and guests who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture.

The Kwanzaa Karamu or feast takes place the evening of Dec. 31. The Karamu allows for cultural expression as well as feasting.

There will be a variety of foods.

The harvest table is set with fruit or vegetables to reflect a traditional time of togetherness. This represents the fruits of collective labor, working together to produce and to give thanks for the opportunity to work together to be productive.

The mat symbolizes the unifying traditions of African peoples that live in their hearts and minds.

The kinara or candleholder symbolizes the ancestors. Although they come from different parts of Africa, ancestors are the unification of the black experience and heritage.

The table is also set with ears of corn to represent the children, both collective and actual members of those present. Children are emphasized at Kwansaa time because it is important to instill in them the values and principles of past generations.

Kwansaa is being celebrated in St. Louis' Cervantes Convention Center this weekend. It is called Kwansaa Expo and will run from today through Sunday.