Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1439355
40 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2022 Kwanzaa History and Tradition/African American Christmas Christmas is a well-known Christian tradition that celebrates the birth of Jesus. In countries like the USA and UK, the majority of people celebrate this holiday. African Americans typically celebrate Christmas. It is an important part of the year and is deeply rooted in the homes of many Black people. Black children grow up with Christmas, just as their parents and grandparents did. Today, a Black Santa is more and more a frequent sight and aligns with a positive change in culture. While celebrating St. Nicholas is an old tradition, Santa in his red outfit only appeared in the 1870s. For Christmas, the opportunity to have some delicious food and drink is important. While African American Christmas holiday festivities are an important part of the celebration, they do not end for many Blacks when December 25th comes. For many, Christmas is just the beginning of a festive story and history that is gaining traction. Kwanzaa is that festive story. It is an African American Christmas tradition that began in the USA in the 1960s. It was started by civil rights leader Maulana Karenga in 1966. The idea is for Black people to unify, support their development, and celebrate their history with a focus on values. Kwanzaa starts immediately after Christmas and continues until the 1st of January. The main decoration is a 'kinara', a candleholder for seven candles. Three red candles sit to the left, three green to the right, and there is a central black candle which is lit first. A candle is lit each day, alternating between red and green, which directly link to the seven principles or 'Nguzo Saba'. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja - unity Kujichagulia - self-determination Ujima - collective work and responsibility Ujamaa - cooperative economics Nia - purpose in remembering and restoring Black culture, customs and history Kuumba - creativity Imani - faith Comprehensively, Kwanzaa is the opportunity for African Americans to celebrate their rich history and culture; and to develop the foregoing principles throughout the year to improve their lives and communities. The next AACC meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 3 at 6 pm in The Lodge Game Room. For more information, call Bettyann James at (951) 572-5538. All are welcome to attend. ~ Jan White African American Cultural Club AACC members completing their Kwaanza art project