Under Tense Political Climate, Kwanzaa Holds Special Meaning

 

by Sherri Williams

WASHINGTON — Kwanzaa, an African-American and Pan-African holiday that honors family, community, and culture, is a time of celebration. But this year, the holiday holds a different meaning and will be a time for some to reaffirm their heritage amid racial strife.

Imani Patterson, 30, grew up celebrating Kwanzaa with her family but in college she didn’t observe it much on her own. However, last year after the birth of her daughter and the election of President Donald Trump, she thought it was important to reconnect with the holiday that celebrates black culture.

“After he (Donald Trump) was elected it was disheartening. I cried real tears and I held my daughter close because I felt that we reverted back to the old (ways),” said Patterson of Frederick, Maryland. 

“The whole adage ‘Make America Great Again,’ is white supremacy at its best again. That’s when I was like you know what, Kwanzaa is important to me because that’s something that we established as African-Americans. That’s something that we should celebrate and encompass in our daily lives, not just the seven days but 365 (days a year).”

Founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, author of "Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture," the holiday is observed Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. It has seven principles and each one is observed during a day in the week: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

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Source: NBC News