Tonight, Ohio University students will be presented not only with the opportunity to learn about a holiday, but also a chance to learn about it from the one who knows it best - the creator himself.
Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of African Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and the founder of Kwanzaa, will be speaking at 7 tonight in Baker Center Theater.
We're very excited to have the creator of Kwanzaa here with us this year
said senior Mark Wright, president of the Black Student Cultural Programming Board.
Karenga will be speaking about the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, as well as why he created the holiday. Those who attend will have a chance to meet and talk with him afterward.
Kwanzaa is a pan-African holiday that focuses on important values of African culture.
It was created to celebrate family community and culture said Alicia Boards, the adviser for BSCPB.
I think it's important because it teaches a lot about value and personal values
Wright said.
These values are emphasized through the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles, which are umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).
You can really relate them to your everyday life
Boards said.
Kwanzaa is celebrated every year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. However, because of Winter Break, campus events to celebrate Kwanzaa are held in November.
We hope that students will become more aware of the celebration of Kwanzaa
Wright said.
This event, which is hosted by the OU Multicultural Center and BSCPB, is free and open to the public.
d149808@ohiou.edu
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Culture
Lynsie Dickerson
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