The Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement regards Kwanzaa as a Cultural Imperative, i.e. a compelling event in the life cycle that is determined by cultural tradition, also including naming, initiation marriage and passing over ceremonies.

Created by the Us organisation, headed by Dr Maulana Karenga in 1966, it is one of most enduring aspects of the Black Power era, its global popularity has gone from strength to strength. (1)  Dr Karenga explains why it continues to flourish:

“Surely, Kwanzaa would not have lasted if it had simply been a seasonal trend, a consumerist fad or the purchasable product of a corporate-cultivated consciousness. More-over, its resilience and relevance, like its origins and future, do not lie in official approval, presidential greetings or govern-mental recognition and endorsement by resolution on any level… Rather Kwanzaa was conceived, created and introduced to the African community as an audacious act of self-determination, a cultural creation that is rooted in and rose out of the wish and will of a people who saw its message deep in meaning, world-encompassing in reach, highly relevant in addressing critical issues of our time and the practice of its principles, as a valuable way to ground, guide and enrich their lives.” (2)

But in spite of its growing reach, there is still some uncertainty about how to go about celebrating Kwanzaa.  In the era of lockdowns, where community events are less common, more emphasis is placed on celebration in the home.  Therefore, on this show we’re going to provide a step-by-step guide to celebrating Kwanzaa in the home and the community –greetings and terminology, practices and processes.  We will also explore the usefulness of Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba in dealing with the different types of crises facing the Afrikan community at home and abroad.

(1) Baba Buntu (14/12/21) KWANZAA South Afrika.   https://www.facebook.com/events/462336418611003/; Poetry, Language Of the Soul (P.L.O.T.S) (18/12/21) Kwanzaa Special In Jamaica, West Indies. https://poetrylanguageofthesoul.com/2021/12/18/%F0%9F%8C%B9%F0%9F%87%AF%F0%9F%87%B2kwanzaa-special-in-jamaica-west-indies%F0%9F%87%AF%F0%9F%87%B2%F0%9F%8C%B9/

(2) Dr. Maulana Karenga (24/12/09) Principles And Practices Of Kwanzaa: Repairing And Renewing The World. http://www.us-organization.org/position/documents/PrinciplesandPracticesofKwanzaa.pdf.

we ask the question:

KWANZAA: How should we Celebrate it? A step-by-Step guide?

1) Do we need Cultural Imperatives?

2) Do you celebrate Kwanzaa in the home?

3) In what way is Kwanzaa relevant to young people?

4) How can Kwanzaa/Nguzo Saba address the issues facing the Afrikan Community?

Our Special Guests:

Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant.  Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.

Sis. Kai Ouagadou-Mbandaka: is the Chief Officer of Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement’s Education Department, Head Teacher for the Alkebu-Lan Academy of Excellence Saturday School, and Co-ordinator for the Ma’at Academy of Excellence Home School Collective.  She is also  head of ARM’s Rites of Passage Programme for Girls and a Columnist for The Whirlwind Newspaper.  Sis. Kai is one of the original co-hosts of Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan when it first launched in 2006.