A few community members gathered to do than than observe Day 3 of the Kwanzaa holiday on Friday — they discussed the importance of bringing its principles into the community.
About 10 people met at the True Worship Outreach center on South Queen Street, most dressed for the celebration.
They concurred Kwanzaa, although an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday, can apply to any group.
“It has a universal message, it’s not just an African-American thing,” said Antuan Dixon, a librarian. “(Look at) what we’re going though now with the fiscal cliff.”
He talked about economics briefly and added, “All the principles can be translated universally.”
The owner of True Worship Outreach center, Johnny Noel, said society would be closer with consistent Kwanzaa practices.
“There was a time when we could go to our neighbor’s house and borrow a cup of sugar,” he said. “It seems like those days have gone away. We need to bring back that unity (and) love for each other.”
Noel said Kwanzaa is only one way to make neighborhoods more positive.
Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles — originating from African tribes — from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, including faith, unity and purpose.
During the week-long holiday, families and communities gather to exchange stories, hand-made gifts, fruits and talents to help bring in a prosperous New Year.
Visiting Kinston from Georgia, Maruska Alston and her daughter TiAndrea, 9, led the congregation at True Worship in two songs.
Kwanzaa, according to the voices in the assembly, can be celebrated by any race, creed or color.
“When you talk about the celebration of Kwanzaa, a lot of people think that it takes away from Christmas,” Noel said. “It takes nothing away from the birth of Christ.”
The small celebration at the outreach center included a centerpiece table decorated with baskets of fruit, cloths and a candle holder — called a kinara.
Brenda Stewart, the group leader, recited “Ujima” in Swahili first, English next and read the meaning of the third day’s principle, repeated by others at the table.
“Kwanzaa is about just getting together and working as a community,” she said. “It’s something like what has happened today.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan
BREAKOUT BOX:
Want to plan your Kwanzaa celebration in Kinston?
Contact Johnny Noel at 252-639-1626
Or
Travel Laguda at 252-361-2627
Kwanzaa Principles
Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
DAY 1
Umoja (Unity)
DAY 2
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
DAY 3
Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
DAY 4
Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
DAY 5
Nia (Purpose)
DAY 6
Kuumba (Creativity)
DAY 7
Imani (Faith)