A traditional Kwanzaa set, including traditional elements such as the mkeke (mat), corn, kinara (candle holder), seven candles for each night of the celebration, a food basket and a communal cup CREDIT GINA LONG/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE
By Gina Long
Beginning December 26, Hutchinson residents have gathered in the Hutch in Harmony office each evening to celebrate Kwanzaa, the holiday celebrating key concepts in African culture.
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration from December 26 through January 1, honoring African-American culture in the United States and other countries with sizeable African descendant populations. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions.
Natasha Russell-Iverson has celebrated Kwanzaa since 1985, raising her children and grandchildren in the observance.
“I celebrate all seven days. I made a commitment to it a long time ago,” she said.
She explained that the observance involves seven core principles, each emphasized on its day throughout the week. “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits” in Swahili, and the principles and traditions are referred to in the language.
The seven core principles of Kwanzaa, known as “Nguzo Saba,” are “Umoja” (Unity), “Kujichagulia” (Self-determination), “Ujima” (Collective Work and Responsibility), “Ujamaa” (Cooperative Economics), “Nia” (Purpose), “Kuumba” (Creativity), and “Imani” (Faith).
Russell-Iverson pointed out items in her Kwanzaa set, explaining that some elements are required by tradition, and some are optional.
“The mkeke (mat) is the foundation that ties the elements together. The ear of corn is another. The kinara (candle holder) and the seven candles, one for each night, have their own meanings. A basket of crops, a communal unity cup and gifts are required items,” she said. “Traditional gifts are books because they transmit knowledge, and handmade gifts because they are more personal and meaningful.”
Optional items included a list and explanation of the seven principles and the red, green and black Pan-African flag.
Quincy Baker, 22, of Hutchinson and a Hutchinson Community College student, participated in his first Kwanzaa.
“This is the type of celebration I have been looking for the last few years of my life. I’ve been disappointed with classic holiday celebrations in the U.S. It’s not that the meaning has been lost, but the culture. I wanted something celebrated on the foundation of principles. I wanted something to talk about instead of big gifts. I feel that Kwanzaa encourages and pushes people into the principle of the holiday,” he said.
The Saturday evening observance’s principle was “Ujima.” Russell-Iverson lit the first three candles and then explained the holiday’s history, meaning, and main traditions. She discussed some history and how the traditions and principles are tied to the culture and history of the African diaspora.
Each attendee then took turns discussing what collective work and responsibility meant to them personally and within the community. Some tied the principles to broader struggles and global conflicts, namely Palestine and the ongoing civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The discussion ended with a libation poured from the communal cup.
Russell-Iverson thanked the Hutchinson Emancipation Committee for sponsoring this year’s observance.
The public is welcome to attend the final two days’ observances on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 7 – 9 p.m., at the Hutch in Harmony office at 11 E Sherman St.
