Learn How To Celebrate Kwanzaa

Thu, December 22, 2011

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KMUW / Carla Eckels

A workshop on Kwanzaa, “What it is and How to celebrate it,” will be held Thursday at Wichita’s Atwater Neighborhood City Hall.  KMUW’s Carla Eckels reports, this year marks the 45th anniversary of the cultural holiday.

Kwanzaa, which means first fruit in Swahili, is a seven day observance that highlights African-American heritage and culture.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by educator and activist, Dr. Maulana Karenga. It’s celebrated annually from December 26 through January 1.

Presenter Tasleem Muqtasid says everyone’s invited to learn more about Kwanzaa.

“I want to introduce the audience to all the symbols that are present during Kwanzaa, and there’s seven symbols,” says Muqtasid. “And I also will talk about the seven principles and why Kwanzaa is and I want people to really understand that this is not a religious holiday. It’s a cultural holiday.”

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

The Kwanzaa workshop takes place at Wichita’s Atwater Neighborhood City Hall Thursday at 6pm.