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Kwanzaa Celebrates African-American Culture

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 31, 2007

DADE CITY - Ouida White, 50, learned something new about Kwanzaa this year.

After years of celebrating during the week after Christmas, White discovered Kwanzaa is not an African holiday.

"It's a celebration of African-American culture," she said during a feast at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Sunday, the fifth of the seven days of Kwanzaa.

The holiday, created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, is intended to remind observers of what it means to be African-American. Each day of Kwanzaa, which begins Dec. 26, honors a different principle. On the first day, observers concentrate on Umoja, or unity. The following days mark self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Sunday's feast, where about 50 people shared stories, songs, ham, collard greens and pumpkin pie, was to celebrate Nia, or purpose, said Imani Asukile, the president of the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco.

Asukile said his purpose is "making a vocation out of building community." He said he hopes the celebration, which is in its fifth year, will grow.

The week's events in Dade City included a pageant, poetry reading, storytelling and a festival. Today, a free talent extravaganza is slated for 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 37745 Church Ave. in Dade City. Tuesday, people are asked to observe a quiet day of reflection.

Shide Hill, 18, was crowned Miss Kwanzaa this week after completing a community project and pledging to celebrate her African-American culture in the coming year. She brought her sister, two brothers and boyfriend with her Sunday.

"I'm just learning about the different saying they have," she said of the continuing celebration.

Asukile's daughter, Salim Bennett, 13, said she enjoyed the unity celebration the most because it brought the community together.

Donald Smith, pastor of Greater Mount Mariah Missionary Baptist Church in Lacoochee, said Kwanzaa puts celebrants "back in touch with some of the great values our country was built upon."

"It also leaves a foundation for younger children coming in behind us, with values and principles that enhance their development into adulthood and that they can pass on to their children," he said.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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