U. celebrates Kwanzaa early with food, song and festivities

Joining together in the spirit of African-American pride and stressing solidarity in the community, family and culture, the Penn campus played host yesterday to an early celebration of Kwanzaa. More than 100 students and faculty members gathered in the Newman Center last night for the cultural celebration. The goal of the program -- sponsored by the Greenfield Intercultural Center in conjunction with the United Minorities Council, the African-American Resource Center and several other campus organizations -- was to introduce the entire University community to Kwanzaa's festivities. Kwanzaa is a relatively recent creation. Created by Maulana Karenga, an African-American scholar at California State University at Long Beach, the non-religious observance was conceptualized in 1966. Karlene Burell-McRae, associate director of the GIC, described Kwanzaa as "a celebration of family and community-building." Kwanzaa's roots lie in the traditional African celebration of the first fruits of the harvest, and its week-long observance incorporates seven principles, or Nguzo Saba in Swahili: Umoja, or unity; Kujichagulia, or self-determination; Ujima, or collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, or cooperative economics; Nia, which means purpose; Kuumba, or creativity; and Imani, or faith. The night's program began on a solemn note as College senior Chaz Howard, outgoing chairperson of the UMC, sang traditional African-American spirituals. "Like a river, oppression and hatred flow on and on," he said before he began to sing. The audience was silent, enraptured by his deep voice and the message of his words. Kamau McRae led the audience in a libation, paying reverance to the spirits and memories of ancestors. "We honor our ancestors, those who laid down the foundation for us to be here," he announced. Audience members were encouraged to participate by calling out the names of those deceased who have made a significant contribution to the African-American community. An important part of the celebration of Kwanzaa is the incorporation of young children. "They are what allow us to go on," said Sharon Smith, associate director of Student Transitional Programs. And fittingly, children played an integral role in last night's program, setting the ceremonial table. Each child brought to the table a representative object. Entertainment was provided by Assata, Penn's African-American poetry group, and The New Spirit of Penn, the University's gospel choir. Before enjoying the Karamu -- the traditional Kwanzaa meal -- catered by three local ethnic eateries, participants and audience members joined hands in a unity circle and prayed. "The celebration is wonderful because it brings people together, regardless of their religious background," said program coordinator Richard Adzei, a College senior. Kwanzaa observance does not officially begin until December 26, but Penn will celebrate this weekend with a jazz concert featuring vocalist Monette Sudler and a workshop entitled "Keepers of the Culture."