Pasadena Celebrates Kwanzaa

PASADENA, CA — Pasadena will conduct its 30th annual Kwanzaa celebration Thursday at the Pasadena Public Library's La Pintoresca Branch with Thanayi Karenga, daughter of Kwanzaa creator Maulana Karenga, leading the event.

The event will include music, stories and refreshments provided by the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The Tournament of Roses Royal Court is scheduled to make an appearance.

Maulana Karenga, chair of Africana Studies at Cal State Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966 in what he called "an audacious act of self- determination."

The 2018 theme of Kwanzaa is "Reimagining and Remaking the World: A Kwanzaa Commitment to an Inclusive Good."

"At the very heart and center of the celebration of Kwanzaa is the ethical imperative and social obligation of the cooperative creation and sharing of an inclusive Good," Maulana Karenga wrote in his annual founder's message.

"This principle and related practice are rooted in its ancient origins in the African harvest and the communitarian worldview and way of life that undergirded and informed it," the founder said.

"The ancient roots of Kwanzaa in the shared African harvest and the celebration of it, immediately bring to mind the sacred teachings given to us by our honored ancestors in the Odu Ifa which tells and teaches us we are to constantly strive and struggle to bring good into the world, share it and not let any good be lost."

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

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.

"This annual celebration of African heritage, unity, and culture is a special opportunity for many to reflect on their shared ancestry and values," President Donald Trump said. "At this time, our nation joins in honoring the important contributions of African-Americans to the strength and success of the United States.

"As families, friends, and communities gather this week to light the Kinara, we join in sending our best wishes for good health and happiness in the new year."

City News Service; Photo: Kwanzaa, started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is an African-American cultural holiday celebrating family and community. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)