Seven nights of 'First Fruits'

~ The cultural holiday of Kwanzaa is now in its 37th year.

In a way, says Dr. Ivy Locke, everyone -- regardless of race -- should celebrate Kwanzaa. Or at least everyone's entitled to.

"Where did civilization start?" she asked. "Everyone is of African descent."

Kwanzaa is largely thought to be a celebration for blacks. And, indeed, millions of people of African descent throughout the world will celebrate Kwanzaa for seven nights from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

But Locke, a professor at Southeast Missouri State University, says that its life-affirming message is so positive and important that everyone has some insight and knowledge to be gained.

"It's a way of living," Locke said. "I celebrate it every day. You celebrate yourself, your race, your community and your contributions to your community."

On Sunday, Locke will present a program on Kwanzaa at 2 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. The event is free to the public. Locke, who has been celebrating and studying Kwanzaa for 15 years, will introduce its concepts and what it's about.

Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of black studies in California. It's derived from the Kiswahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which loosely translates to "first fruits of the harvest."

Key to any Kwanzaa celebration is the kinara, a candle holder with places for seven candles representing the seven days of Kwanzaa and the seven principles of Kwanzaa (referred to as the Nguzo Saba). Locke has a kinara and a utility cup (which represents the first principle) in her den and living room.

During Kwanzaa, a candle is lit each night. The first candle is black and is called Umoja (unity). The other six candles alternate between red, which represents the struggles of people of African descent, and green, which represents their triumphs.

The other six candles represent the remaining six days: Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose) Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

The intent of Kwanzaa is to celebrate black culture, Locke said.

"What Dr. Karenga found was that there were similarities between African American customs and those tribes in Africa," she said. "He formulated an African value system and those are the seven principles of Kwanzaa."

At the event Sunday, children and adults will be invited to make Kwanzaan crafts that they can take with them. Kwanzaa dances will also be performed and those who attend will learn how they are done, she said.

The theme of Locke's talk will be Biblical themes and Kwanzaa principles. She said it's important to note that Kwanzaa should not be viewed as an alternative to Christmas, a religious celebration, and Kwanzaa, a cultural one.

"There are people who celebrate Kwanzaa who are not Christian," she said. "I am a Christian and I celebrate Kwanzaa. Christianity and Kwanzaa have more in common than they have differences."

Locke was drawn to Kwanzaa when she was a professor at Florida State University in Tallahassee. She doesn't remember the first time she ever heard the word, but she said she was drawn to its positive message.

"I liked the perspective of acknowledging the legacy, culture, contributions as well as the potential," she said. "People think if we love ourselves, we don't love others. My perception is that the more I love myself, the more I am capable of loving others."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137