U. celebrates Kwanzaa with Houston Hall ceremony

For the past four years, Assistant Dean in Residence Carla Armbrister has extended her usual nine-to five-work day to include the University's Kwanzaa celebration. This year, Armbrister brought her little sister, eight-year-old Yahne Taylor, to join in last Friday's ceremony. "I decided to bring Yahne because I want her to have the opportunity to see what Kwanzaa is really about," Armbrister said. Kwanzaa, which means "The First Fruit of the Harvest" in the East African Language of Kiswahili, is a non-religious ceremony celebrated by many African Americans as an affirmation of their cultural self-determination. The celebration -- which lasts from December 26 to January 1 -- was established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor at the California State University in Long Beach. Karenga designed the holiday to encourage African Americans to think about their African roots in addition to life in present-day America. Homes are decorated in green, red and black throughout the celebration, and also feature traditional Kwanzaa symbols such as a prominently displayed seven-branched candelabra. Each evening, families come together at mealtime to light a candle and recite one of the seven principles -- including unity, collective responsibility and faith -- associated with the holiday. Additionally, families and friends gather on December 31 for singing, dancing and a festive meal. Children receive gifts on January 1 for the good deeds they performed throughout the year. Parents and other adults may also receive gifts at this time. The University's Kwanzaa ceremony originated as a celebration in W.E.B. DuBois College House, but has since grown to fill Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge. This year's festivities included singing and dancing before concluding with a festive meal in the Hall of Flags. "I ask that you reflect during this celebration and think about how you can contribute to our community," said Greenfield Intercultural Center Acting Assistant Director Karlene Burrell.