Kwanzaa 6261 (2021) is here and for our final show of the year we go into full Kwanzaarization mode.
In addition to a selection of some of the finest Kwanzaa tunes from across the Afrikan world, we have a step-by-step breakdown of the principles, symbols, processes, procedures and recitations for new (or returning) celebrants.
To emphasise the idea that Kwanzaa is not just for seven days but for life, we premiere a message by Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka on the theme, Kwanzaa – A Weapon of Spirituo-Cultural Warfare, highlighting the centrality of the principles of the Nguzo Saba in inoculating the race against the “evil designs of modern materialism.”
As an additional treat for Kwanzaa veterans, newcomers, diehards and sceptics we revisit an interview with the creator of Kwanzaa, Dr Maulana Karenga. In it we explore the function and purpose of cultural nationalism, the impact of Kwanzaa of the Black arts movement, why its one of the most resilient legacies of the Black Power era and we seek answers to the questions from some of persistent detractors of both Maulana Karenga and Kwanzaa itself. Not to be missed.
Afterwards we expect all to take this inspiration to the upcoming community celebration.
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UJIMA December 28th
Bristol Kwanzaa: 2pm-5pm on Zoom. Meeting ID: 850 2017 4166. Passcode: 172870
PACM/ACSHO Birmingham Kwanzaa: 4-8pm, Legacy Centre of Excellence, 144 Potters Lane, B6 4UU. Feat Macka B, Children of The Sun & Steve Biko Saturday Schools plus Dancer Sandra Golding. Info: 07546 952 955.
Nubian Jak Foundation in Conjunction with Hidden Truth: 6.30pm, presents The Worlds Biggiest Live Kwanzaa Quiz Event. To Book: www.theinvestigator.org.uk
NIA December 30th
Sankofa Rising Kwanzaa: 2pm, St Martin’s Community Centre, Abbot’s Park, SW2 3QB. Admission £3, info. 07896 462 408
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It’s KWANZAA Time!
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.
Dr Maulana Karenga: Karenga is professor and chair of the Department of Africana Studies at California State University—Long Beach. He is the creator of the pan-African cultural holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) and author of the authoritative text titled Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture as well as his new book on The Message and Meaning of Kwanzaa: Bringing Good Into the World.
Dr Karenga is an activist-scholar, he is chair of the organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations; and Executive director of the African American Cultural Center and the Kawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies; and also co-chair of the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance, BCCLA. He is also the author of numerous scholarly articles and books including: Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis; Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle; Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics; Introduction to Black Studies (4th Edition); Odu Ifa: The Ethical Teachings andDr Karenga is currently writing a book on the social and ethical philosophy of Malcolm X titled The Liberation Ethics of Malcolm X: Critical Consciousness, Moral Grounding and Transformative Struggle.
Dr Karenga is the recipient of numerous awards for scholarship, leadership and service including the Paul Robeson-Zora Neale Hurston Award for Scholarly Work Significantly Contributive to the Understanding, Development and Appreciation of African World Culture and The C.L.R. James Award for Outstanding Publication of Scholarly Works that Advance the Discipline of Africana and Black Studies, both from the National Council for Black Studies. He is also the subject of the book by Dr. Molefi Asante titled: Maulana Karenga: An Intellectual Portrait.