Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

Page 12 Spelman Spotlight December 1981 Kwanza With The Davises Kwanza is a family attair, enhanced by African attire. easts are an integral part of the seven day festivity. All types By Carla D. Johnson Reporter Mr. Leroy Davis, a professor in the history department at Spelman College, and his family have been celebrating Kwanza for the past nine years. Around mid-December, Mr. Davis begins refreshing his children's minds about Kwanza. The oldest daughter, Kamaria - Ifa, 8, remembers the Kwanza history as well as some Kwanza songs, which she teaches to her two younger brothers, Jumaane - Haki and Rahsaan - Jamil. Mr. Davis holds Kwanza Sessions with his children at least three or four times per week, which helps to get them into the Kwanza spirit. The actual week before Kwanza, the Davis family goes on their Kwanza shopping spree. They purchase candles, food, fruits, and nuts in prepara tion for the Kwanza festivities. At this time, they put up both a Kwanza display, and theirChrist- mas tree. The Kwanza display consists of a table with candles, ears of corn that represent each member of the family, a straw mat, African artifacts, and fruit and nuts which sympolize the harvest. Usually the Davis family celebrates Kwanza at the home of friends or a community center or school. This year, they will celebrate Kwanza within their home. Those of us who won’t be here in person to join in the festivities can read about the occasion in the Spotlight. Kwanza celebrations may be held at a variety of places and may be as elaborate or as modest as one’s creativity will allow. When one arrives at the place where Kwanza is being celebrated, he or she is greeted by someone who says, “Habari Gani” — which means, “What's the news,” or “What’s happen ing?” The colors red, (for the con tinuing struggle), black (for our people), and green, (for land and hope), dominate the room. People are dressed in African attire as well as western attire, whatever they can relax and enjoy themselves in. A table will be set up with an African print table cloth. A “Mkeka” straw mat, which is the symbol for our historical foundation in traditional African culture, is placed on the table cloth. A “Kinara” (candleholder with 7 prongs) is placed on the Mkeka. The Kinara represents our African ancestors while the seven Mishumaa candles (3 red, 1 black and 3 green), represent the seven principles of the “Nguzo Saba.” (Black Value System). Also on the table is a “Kikom- ba” — unity cup, which represents the unity of African people. “Matunda” is the tropical fruit, vegetables, and nuts which represent the total yield of traditional harvest. “Mahindi” — corn, is also placed on the table. The corn represents the number of children in the household. In childless homes, an unshucked ear of corn is used to represent the potential for children. After the table has been set, the elder member (who represents our ancestors) pours a libation into the Kikom- ba. He or she drinks from the cup first, then the cup is passed around the table.This isasymbol of Harambee (People Pulling Together). Drinking from the cup fosters unity, which is ideal in Black communities throughout the world. After drinking from the cup, the children in the house each light two candles for the Kwanza days passed and one candle for that day. After the lighting of the candle, the food is served. Food at Kwanza ceremonies ranges from soul food — barbecued chicken wings, biscuits, greens, etc., to vegetarian dishes, to African dishes and Caribbean dishes. Most importantly, there is always lots of food that will meet everyone’s taste. African songs and dances are often begun by the children or a designated leader, at the ceremony. Everyone joins in the festivities. No one is allowed to sit back and be “cool.” The sound of the conga drums and the clapping of hands puts everyone in the party spirit. On the last day of Kwanza, gifts wrapped in red, black, and/or green paper are exchanged. The gifts, known as “Zawadi” are expressions of giving of oneself, our history, our culture and our commitment to education as a liberating force. The Kwanza celebration is one of the few holidays that involves the whole family, The togetherness shared has many positive effects on everyone at the celebration. The fact that Kwanza is not only a holiday, but an acutal way of life with an unique value system, makes it above all others. The Davis family celebrates Christ mas as well as Kwanza. Why don’t you join them and celebrate Kwanza this Dec. 26th - Jan 1st and continue to foster its teachings throughout the year. Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanza! Happy Kwanza To All! ^