New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair, Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn on Tuesday joined the African-American community in celebrating Kwanzaa, a celebration of African-American culture.
Kwanzaa celebrations began on Tuesday, Dec. 26, and ends on Jan. 1. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies.
“Kwanzaa is inspired by the celebrations of the start of the harvest season in Africa, and celebrates history, values, family, community and culture,” Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday, adding that each day of Kwanzaa “emphasizes one of seven core principles, or ‘Nguzo Saba’”.
Photo courtesy Office of New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn
Bichotte Hermelyn, the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said the holiday begins with “a meditation on unity (umoja), followed by the principles of self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).”
She noted that Kwanzaa celebrations “often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.”
Bichotte Heremlyn wishes Kwanzaa celebrants “a happy Kwanzaa filled with light, joy and purpose.”
In celebrating Kwanzaa, Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, send “peace, blessings, love and light to everyone who begins celebrating Kwanzaa today.
“Over the next week, we uplift African American culture and heritage, rooted in the seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith,” he told Caribbean Life, “These values are not confined to the week; we should emulate them all year.
“During Kwanzaa, we learn not only from the seven principles but from the example of our ancestors, whose legacy we carry forth,” he added. “With the strength that emanates from our many blessings, and the model of those who have come before, we know that like them, we will come through challenges and obstacles, and make a better world for all who come after.
“In the spirit of Umoja, united in spirit, let us pursue justice with purpose, perseverance and resolve,” Williams urged.
