Pamper Guests - The Parklander Magazine

holidayseasonwith diversityl BY JAN ENGORENlin recognition of the cultural diversity within our community, it isimportant to understand that end-of-year holidays and celebrationsgo beyond Christmas and Chanukah. While these latter holidaysare celebrated by the majority of Americans, other cultureshave their own traditions with recent or ancient roots.Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to introduceand reinforce seven basic values of African culture, which contribute tobuilding and reinforcing family, community and culture. These valuesare called the Nguzo Saba, which in the Swahili language means theseven principles - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility,cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.Seven symbols and two supplemental ones are part of Kwanzaa. “It isa holiday that grew out of the ancient origins of first-fruit harvest festivals,which celebrate the abundant good of life and all living things andthe good of earth itself and all in it,” says Dr. Karenga.“It rises also out ofour modern struggle for an inclusive freedom, a substantive justice, adignity-affirming equality, and a life-enhancing power of our peopleover our destiny and daily lives.”Family, community and culture are honored during Kwanzaa, whichis celebrated in the U.S., parts of the Caribbean and Africa. PearlWoodridge, Head of Adult Services at the African American ResearchLibrary and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, says, “You may keepyour own traditions and celebrate Kwanzaa as well. You can celebrateChristmas and the next day celebrate Kwanzaa, which begins onDecember 26 and lasts through January 1.”More people participate in the center’s Kwanzaa rituals each year,Woodridge explains. “This year we expect about 300 to 400 people toparticipate in our seven-day celebration which includes family-friendlyevents, healthy food, speakers, cultural events and dance performancesby the Jubilee Dance Theatre.”For more information on Kwanzaa celebrations, contact the AfricanAmerican Research Library and Cultural Center at the Broward CountyLibrary, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The telephone is 954-625-2811.The website is www.broward.org/library.thePARKLANDER51