Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and I’ll use each day of Kwanzaa to write about each of the principles found in the Nguzo Saba. But first I’ll start with an introduction about Kwanzaa. The creator of Kwanzaa, Ron Karenga, posted on his website (pdf form) the 2006 Founder’s Message. This is something that he does every year. Some comments about this message before I get into the first principle.
The following is the introduction to the message:
"The season of Kwanzaa has come again, this celebration and season of joyous harvesting and sharing of good in the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the recovery and reconstruction of this ancient celebration which has found a valuable and enduring place in the hearts, homes and daily lives of over 28 million people throughout the world African community.
This year’s theme is, of necessity, focused on the Nguzo Saba as a vital source of principles and practices to bring increase and sustain good in the world. Indeed, they represent values and vital teachings of our ancestors about how we are to live good lives, rightfully relate to each other and the world, and teach our children by word and deed what it means to be an African man and woman in the world."
I immediately have problems with this introduction such as:
- Kwanzaa is the recovery and reconstruction of an ancient celebration? What ancient celebration? His earlier books said he created this celebration as an African-American celebration not African.
- Karenga says that the theme is focused on the Nguzo Saba, to bring increase and sustain good in the world. This is not just cultural. This is getting into a "way of life" like religions."
- "What it means to be an African man and woman in the world." – This is still a racially inclusive celebration.
What many people don’t understand about culture is that it should be tied in to your way of life, your religion as many cultures do things differently, even within the same religion. But in Karenga’s opening paragraphs, we see that he’s using culture to define one’s entire world. The good they do, their principles of living and so on. I would ask Karenga at this point, what does one need God for if all of this "good" would be accomplished with just this cultural celebration and following the Nguzo Saba?
Next: UMOJA - Unity
