Brooklyn celebrates Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa shines bright in Brooklyn.

Brooklynites rang in the first day of the week long festival of Kwanzaa on Thursday with traditional dances festive food storytelling music and the symbolic candle lighting ritual.

The African American and Pan African holiday which is based on ancient African year end harvest festivals is observed by an estimated 28 million people worldwide from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

I see Kwanzaa as a holiday of the spirit said Tabeel Rush 55 an immigrant from Grenada whose Tabeel Aromatherapy Gift Shop and Salon in Park Slope has become a popular destination for Kwanzaa shoppers over the past 18 years.

Rush said she has sold dozens of special candle holders called kinaras that are made to fit seven candles each representing one the principles that Kwanzaa represents which include unity self determination collective work and responsibility cooperative economics purpose creativity and faith.

It s an African cultural holiday that is centered around these principles which we need to live by and understand she said.

Each night during Kwanzaa a new candle is lit to recognize the principle that is supposed be the focus of that day.

Kwanzaa for me is a way to celebrate the end and the beginning of the year in a way that honors my heritage said Shola Jones 31 of Flatbush who said that he and his family always attend the annual Kwanzaa celebration at Medgar Evers College.

Kwanzaa gives those of us who identify as members of the African diaspora a chance to strengthen our community and be guided by principles that empower uplift and liberate us he said.

Carroll Pat During Kwanzaa candles are placed in a special candle holder called the kinara that's made to fit seven candles each representing one of the principles that Kwanzaa celebrates.

Observers often exchange gifts on the last day of the holiday which usually culminates in a large traditional feast with friends and family.

Some people said they were newcomers to Kwanzaa which was created in 1966 by a professor of black studies at California State University.

It s just never been part of my family traditions said Flatbush resident Nadya Stevens 30 who said that she made a pact with her cousin to begin celebrating it once they both have families of their own.

It signifies unity and closeness and appreciation which is what all the holidays are all about she said.

Several Kwanzaa events are scheduled in Brooklyn including

A song and dance Kwanzaa extravaganza at the Center for African Diaspora and Dance 558 Fulton St. near Flatbush Ave. in Fort Greene (718) 935 9700. Dec. 29 11 30 am. $10 for family of five.

The International African Arts Festival s 47th annual Kwanzaa celebration featuring Dr. Maulana Karenga the founder of Kwanzaa Middle School 35 at 272 MacDonough St. between Lewis St. and Marcus Garvey in Bedford Stuyvesant (718) 479 4186. Dec. 27 6 45 pm. $12 in advance. $15 door. $8 for seniors and children under 12.

A kid friendly Kwanzaa celebration at the Central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library 10 Grand Army Plaza between Flatbush Ave. and Eastern Pkwy. in Prospect Heights (718) 230 2198. Dec. 27 3 pm. Free.

Kwanzaa festivities for kids at the Brooklyn Children s Museum 145 Brooklyn Ave. near St. Marks Ave. in Crown Heights (718) 735 4400 Dec. 27 28 29 30. Free.

Kwanzaa spa day with drummers poetry and advice from a financial advisor at Tabeel Aromatherapy Gift Shop and Salon 76 Fifth Ave. near St. Marks Pl. in Park Slope (718) 398 4959 Dec. 29 10 am.

nmusumeci nydailynews.com

Articles Source here