PALMDALE – Families and friends are invited to a celebration Sunday to commemorate the African-American cultural holiday Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is a secular holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It was established in 1966 as an African-American tradition that focuses on the family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits”.
This year’s Kwanzaa celebration is hosted by the Antelope Valley Chapter of the NAACP and will take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 30) at United Desert Charities, located at 2101 East Palmdale Boulevard.
The event, which is free and open to the community, will feature performances by:
- Niancho Eniyaley African Performers
- Scholar Jamaal Brown
- Songstress Linda Bowling, and
- The Lancaster Unique High Steppers Drill and Drum Squad.
For more information on this event, call 661-544-8439 or email avnaacp@yahoo.com. For more information on Kwanzaa, visit www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org.
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sikntired says
Hard to believe its the 21 st century and these same conversations are occurring.
Human kind is fugged up.
Forewarned says
@sikntired….I agree. I don’t think our country has been this so divided since the Vietnam War. I know my stalker friend won’t agree with me but since Øbama’s was elected 4 years ago he has been dividing this country. Rich against poor, black against white, Democrats against Republicans, men against women, gun control against anti-gun control and so on and so forth.
Bob says
Racist Holiday… “African-American cultural holiday.”
They were too good for Muslim, Jewish, Christian, etc Holidays so they had to make their own for “THEIR people.”
Letlow says
What exactly do YOU know about Kwanzaa?? I can bet you don’t know a damn thing. If I’m wrong, then tell me what about Kwanzaa is racist? If you can’t tell me that, then zip it!
Bob says
Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, is focused on Afrocentrism and admits to it. In his comments in interviews and his courses he continually pushes that “HIS PEOPLE” need to push “their agenda” and help “their people forward.”
Have you watched, read, taken his courses? I doubt it.
That is an idea of separatism and not co existence and peace. It is pretty much the same crap that racist organizations say, just with less hateful terminology (openly,) than say the KKK, etc.
Letlow says
What’s wrong with uplifting YOUR people? As long as you’re not putting anybody DOWN to uplift your people, what the heck is wrong with it?
What do you think happens in Koreatown, Chinatown, etc.? They’re keeping their money within their community. Do you think that to be racist too, or do you just reserve your ire for African Americans that try to uplift their people? I think you might be the racist one here…
The article says the event is open to the entire community, or did you miss that part in your rush to judgement?? Why didn’t you attend and see for yourself instead of passing judgement on your keyboard on an event that you know absolutely NOTHING about!!
Bob says
Please read Karenga’s papers and discourses before you try to preach racism to me.
I want all humans to do well and achieve great things and help the human race as a whole, promoting one race over another is the ESSENCE of racism.
Letlow says
You didn’t answer my question. Do you think Koreatown and Chinatown to be racist because they promote keeping money within their communities???
Also, many posters on this site say “why can’t the black community teach their people to…”
Then, when people try to uplift the black community and teach principles, responsibility and empowerment, they are deemed as racist…
And finally,Karenga may have started Kwanzaa, but Kwanzaa has evolved into so much more. Who can argue with a celebration that promotes unity and community for not just African Americans but all.
Bob says
They do not “promote keeping money within their communities” like it is some mandatory thing, they have enclaves for language and cultural reasons.
They didn’t come out with the Chinese New Year as a way to promote their race over another, or to feel special, they did it because it was a tradition.
They have no problem stepping outside their “community” to purchase TVs, cars, etc.
More Asian immigrants owned stores in what was considered “black” neighborhoods than anyone else till the riots.
I don’t see why people can’t see each other as Humans or as Americans.
Skin should just be used as a descriptor, like blue, brown, green eyes, etc, not a reason for cultural identity, like many in the black community promote.
Kwanzaa is and was a way to promote the black culture over other cultures and races, that how it was founded, and how many still celebrate it.
Tyrus says
While pumping my fist, I scream “BLACK POWER!!!” I’m sure that truly scares the crap out of you, Bob.
Tyrus says
On the other hand, when I hear “Yeeee Haaawwwwhh!!!” I run.
Bob says
Yes, ignorant and racist people of all races concern me.
Letlow says
Then it should concern you when you read any article on violence or crime on this site, and you read comments such as “Section 8!” or “Go back to Compton!” without any evidence that the perpetrators are from Compton or on Section 8.
That is the pure, unfiltered ignorance! Does that concern you Bob?
Observer says
Letlow …forever the crime and Section 8 apologist!
Tom F says
kwanzaa is a racist ripoff of Hanukkah
sikntired says
All religions have borrowed from the pagan ceremonies for winter solstice so maybe you could say they are all ripoffs.
Sure as hell not worth fighting over anymore.