Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center celebrated Kwanzaa
The opening day of Kwanzaa was celebrated at The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center in southeast Gainesville with a larger than expected crowd.
The gathering was held on Dec. 26 at the museum at 837 SE Seventh Ave. to recognize the first day of Kwanzaa that celebrates Umoja, which means unity in Swahili, a language popular in East Africa. Kwanzaa is a seven-day holiday that runs from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, with each day focused on celebrating principles important to empowering and preserving the community. Besides Umoja, the principles celebrated include Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), Imani (faith).
About 100 people attended the ceremony that was presided over by CCMCC Board Chair Vivian Filer.
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Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday that celebrates the history, family, community, and culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, Ph.D., a professor of African American Studies at California State University, to inspire people of African descent to embrace their heritage and connection to Africa. He selected Swahili to express the principles in a widely spoken African language. Kwanzaa is now celebrated all over the world and involves people of all faiths and cultures.
The ceremony at the Cotton Club Museum began with Malcolm Kiner, a member of the museum's board of directors, pouring a libation to honor the ancestors. Volunteers from the audience read selections extolling the contributions of people throughout history. The meaning of Kwanzaa was delivered by Tamicka Griffin. A table was set with a Kinara, or candle holder, with seven candles that represent a principle for each of the seven days.
Shenetta Green explained the purpose of lighting the candles. Attorney Aubroncee Martin and his family spoke about Umoja and lit the first candle for Unity. Howard Bishop Middle School student Amani Gainey delighted the audience with an interpretive praise dance. Ian Rentz provided a soulful trombone rendition of “What a Wonderful World.”
Board member Deloris Rentz involved the audience in an interactive project where each person seated at the red-black-and-green decorated tables cooperated to create Kwanzaa banners. The event culminated with healthy refreshments selected to nourish both the body and spirit.
Kwanzaa celebrations continued at various locations in the Gainesville community through Jan. 1, with people dedicated to living by the principles every day and not only during the holiday season.
The ceremony on Dec. 26 was a presentation of the CCMCC and the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network (FAAHPN).
Barbara McDade Gordon, Ph.D., is a board member of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville residents show up to Kwanzaa event at Cotton Club Museum
