The African/African-American Studies Program at Eastern Kentucky University Hosts its First Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
The Kwanza event celebrated at Eastern Kentucky University was held on Friday, December 5th 2008 and was a festive celebration with a large turnout of over 100 people. The African/African-American Studies program (AFA) at Eastern Kentucky University hosts the Kwanza celebration on the first Friday in December before students leave for break. Kwanza was established and first celebrated in 1966 by an African-American scholar, Maulana Karenga. Lasting a week, during the week of December 26 through January 1st, Kwanza honors African heritage.
  Traditional African artifacts decorating the room, and original artwork from Professor Ida Kumoji, demonstrated the beauty and individualism of African culture. Professor Kumoji's Art Exhibit of Traditional African textile had works available for purchase. The proceeds from the exhibit benefited AFA's trip to Washington, D.C., allowing AFA students to attend the upcoming presidential inauguration.
  Dr. Salome Nnoromele opened the ceremony with a brief history of the Kwanza celebration. Dr. Nnoromele stressed the importance of African history, "to know one's past is to know one's self," Dr. Nnoromele explained, quoting. Dr. Onda Bennett continued the celebration by giving a warm welcome to the crowd and expressing her appreciation for the diversity found at EKU. Gracing the event was the musical talent of Model Laboratory Middle School's Choir under the direction of Ms. Betsy Grise. The choir entertained the event with rhythmic percussion and traditional African songs. With high crowd interaction, the choir encouraged attendees to clap along with the rhythm. Amidst singing, the choir briefly dispersed into the crowd, giving hand shakes to each person, then reconvened.
 After a great performance by the choir, AFA Students demonstrated the traditional lighting of the Kwanza Candles which was narrated by Cole Campbell and Samuel Fleming; simultaneously, Suzanne Sadler lit the Mishumaa Saba, the seven candles of the Kinara (traditional candle holder) representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self-determination, Collective work and responsibility, Cooperative economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.
Continuing the celebration, Patrick Obinna Nnoromele read Langston Hughes' "Dreamer," and AFA Student Betti Mbala read Maya Angelou's "Thank You, Lord." The poems brought about a feeling of unity to the attendees. Following, AFA Student, Dajuane Harris demonstrated the ceremonial Pouring of the Libation.
 Campus Minister for Collegiate Black & Christian Fellowship, Mr. Arthur Lewis led the group in the Invocation. With bowed heads, praises and thanks to God was given. Giving closing remarks, Professor Karen McDaniel invited the congregation to join together in singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" written by James Weldon Johnson. This song has been passed down from generations and has often been referred to as the Black National Anthem. The traditional feast concluded the celebration. After eating, families, friends and colleagues continued the celebration by enjoying each others' company, joking and socializing.
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