As lights twinkle on Court Street and wreaths sprout on front doors, the Black Student Cultural Programming Board is reminding merrymakers that the holiday season isn’t just about Christmas.
Though Kwanzaa doesn’t begin until Dec. 26, the board is commemorating the holiday with a performance by poet Ge’ylah Jones.
“I’m probably going to be different if you’ve seen the poets that read their poetry from a podium or lecture from the poetry,” Jones said. “I’m going to change costumes and perform; it’s basically a show. There will be excerpts of narratives that will explain principles of Kwanzaa.”
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as a means to restore and celebrate African culture. The seven-day celebration exemplifies each of the seven basic principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Traditions utilized during Kwanzaa include a libation to honor the ancestors and people who have created the pathway to today’s life and the lighting of seven candles — coated red, black and green, the colors of Kwanzaa — to represent each of the principles.
Ohio University has been recruiting people to present about Kwanzaa for 23 years. Having such presenters does not come free, though. Jones’ appearance will cost the programming board $1,500, but will remain free for students and the general public to attend.
Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, associate director of the Multicultural Center, said she likes to keep the programs free to the public in hopes that they can be able to enjoy something educational.
“We endeavor to make it that way. We want everyone to be able to come and learn and take something away from it,” she said.
Julius Smiley, culture arts director for the Black Student Cultural Programming Board, prepares for events such as Jones’ by organizing volunteers to help with the setup of the celebration. Smiley works to have things run smoothly to ensure the celebration of Kwanzaa is respectfully executed.
“My hope is that they understand the basic principles of Kwanzaa and that it’s for any person, no matter what race,” Smiley said. “It’s important for people to know about their roots and where they come from. And I want for people to understand and uncover truths or myths about Kwanzaa.”
ne991410@ohiou.edu
If You Go
What: Ge’ylah Jones: A Kwanzaa Celebration
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Baker Theatre
Admission: Free
