Southern California celebrates ties to Kwanzaa beginning today

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In celebration of the Kwanzaa holiday, Sduduzo Ka Mbili performes a traditional Zulu warrior dance December 23, 2003 at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. Kwanzaa, an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, focuses on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.
Dec. 25, 2009 | KPCC Wire Services

Billed by its creator as "a rightful and joyous celebration of family, community and culture," the seven-day African-American festival of Kwanzaa begins today. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, now a professor in Cal State Long Beach's Department of Africana Studies, in what he called "an audacious act of self-determination."

Kwanzaa's focus is the "Nguzo Saba,'' the Seven Principles — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

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During the week, a candelabrum called a Kinara is lit, and ears of corn representing each child in the family are placed on a traditional straw mat.

African foods such as millet, spiced pepper balls and rice are often served. Some people fast during the holiday, and a feast is often held on its final night.

A flag with three bars — red for the struggle for freedom, black for unity and green for the future — is sometimes displayed during the holiday.

Kwanzaa is based on the theory of Kawaida, which espouses that social revolutionary change for black America can be achieved by exposing blacks to their cultural heritage.

Kwanzaa is "black power in its most lasting form," said Keith Mayes, a professor at the University of Minnesota's Department of African American Studies.

Kwanzaa outlived the 1960s and 1970s black power movement because of its ability to inspire people, according to Mayes, the author of "Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition," billed as the first scholarly book connecting Kwanzaa and the black power movement.

Southland celebrations include the 33rd annual Kwanzaa Gwaride, a traditional procession including trucks, motorcycles and drill teams that will begin at noon from the corner of Crenshaw and Adams boulevards, then head south to Leimert Park.

Tommy Jacquette, an activist who co-founded the Watts Summer Festival who died Nov. 16 from cancer, will posthumously be the king of the Kwanzaa Gwaride.

The queen's role be shared by Regina Kimbell, the director and executive producer of the 2005 documentary "My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage," and Denise Estelle, who produced the Wooli Me Natural Hair Expo Dec. 5.

A festival will follow in Leimert Park including posthumous tributes, youth drummers, vendors, workshops and panel discussions, "Elder Idol" competition and a balance contest.

A poll commissioned by the National Retail Federation and conducted by BIGresearch Sept. 30-Oct. 7 found 2.1 percent of the 8,431 adults surveyed said they would celebrate Kwanzaa, compared to 95.3 percent for Christmas and 5.7 percent for Hanukkah. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percent.

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