Kwanzaa Celebration Closes Out Black History Month

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Malinda Ware was introduced to Kwanzaa while in college; she has celebrated the holiday with deep cultural roots and inspiring life principles, riddled with integrity, hard work, community, faith and much more, every year since, setting up a Kwanzaa table and passing the custom on to her own children.

“There is a saying I love that translates to: I am because we are,” said Ware, the Presenter of Saturday’s Kwanzaa event which managed to just salvage its desired February scheduling date after a weather-related postponement. “Kwanzaa really embraces that idea.”

Selecting the third principle: Ujima, one that celebrates Collective Work and Responsibility as well as the namesake of a children’s literacy program she runs, as the theme for the two hour program, Ware, who is strongly committed to building a higher literacy rate among Newburgh youth, joined forces with the Newburgh Free Library to once again present the informative and entertaining venue at the Newburgh Enlarged City School District’s (NECSD) Auditorium. Showcasing performances in dance, art and story from community agencies and organizations, the program also reviewed the seven Principles of Kwanzaa as well as featured a table-similar to the one in her own home- laden with artifacts tangibly displaying the holiday’s rich history and vast impact.

“Ms. Ware collaborates with us at the Black History Club at Newburgh Free Academy, so we wanted to support her the same way she lends that support to us,” said Ada Freeman, the Advisor to the Black History Club, who could be seen carefully scanning and looking over some of those items on the table prior to the event’s start. “Unity is the word that pops out in my mind about this event I’m attending for the second year; we can do so much more together than alone.”

That togetherness was evident throughout the room. Whether it was Ware, along with Mayor, Torrance Harvey, actively engaged in delivering energetic, moving spirituals, “requiring gathering together,” with hidden message lyrics such as, “Wade in the water” and “God’s going to trouble the water,” sung by slaves to relay the deep, proud, and unifying, shared African American history or a volunteer speaker reading a poem centering upon the power of collective work, a colorfully clad, agile group of rhythmic youth delivering a lively dance performance, or even members of the “Divine Nine” (HBCU fraternities and sororities) chanting out catchy, symbolic sounds affiliated with their group, threads rippling with cohesion and pride permeated throughout the crowd, connecting while celebrating the overriding Collective Work and Responsibility theme, all tied in with the Month’s focus.

“Today we honor our rich history, courage, unwavering strength and the role African-Americans have played in history; Black history is a part of American history and culture, and so we celebrate our people and greatness,” said Phil Howard, NECSD Board Member.“What our young people see, they will be, and we want them to see what will help them manifest what will lead them be the best versions of themselves.”

Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Earth) are those seven esteemed Principles, saluted from December 26-January 1 with symbolic candles lit on each of their corresponding days. Their esteemed specifics are explored and discussed as are the proactive means of integrating them into one’s life.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all could live through the Principles of Kwanzaa,” said Howard. “It would really be wonderful, guiding us toward doing the right thing.”