I just saw an article entitled "Do Black People Really Celebrate Kwanzaa" over at grio.com. Of course I didn't read the article (of course!) but I felt like answering the question anyway—
NO.
As a matter of fact HECK NO black folk don't celebrate Kwanzaa. Personally, I have nothing against Kwanzaa; HOWEVER, it wasn't until this year that I met people who actually celebrate it. That means I went 24 years essentially untouched by the 7 days of Kwanzaa. That's a long time. And I know a lot of black people. Therefore, I've come to the conclusion that we (black folk) just don't celebrate Kwanzaa.
Seriously, do you know people who REALLY (like really) celebrate Kwanzaa? Now readers, please don't take this the wrong way (because I have nothing against Kwanzaa) but in all honesty, how many people have you encountered who celebrate Kwanzaa? And by celebrate, I mean "celebrate in real life", not vicariously through BET commercials. I'd really like to know.
Leave a comment. Tell me what you think about Kwanzaa (and if you know anyone who celebrates it).
Mz.Jonezy
2 comments
I was gonna send out my texts like i did last year about the principles but then when Teena Marie died i said you know? Kwanzaa isn't that important. I kinda know how it came about but its nothing major. in that young boys is still killing and black men are still institutionalized. So in as far as that's concerned, principles are nothing without those abiding by them. sme.
@ Sheena--Kwanzaa is an interesting 'holiday'...Even though I do not celebrate, I do think it is pretty important, at least to those who celebrate. It's just that I really don't know too many people who actually celebrate it....which is probably why there is still the black on black crime and black men institutionalized, as you have mentioned. All in all its a pretty good 'holiday' (in theory) but clearly there is something missing-or something wrong- with a holiday that isn't actually celebrated. I heard that Kwanzaa is a 'holiday' that is not commercialized like Christmas, Valentine's Day, etc. therefore it only SEEMS like people don't celebrate it (when in reality, they actually do celebrate). But I don't know about all that...
Also, in some ways Kwanzaa seems weird to me...how can one holiday represent all of African culture? Or, if it's meant to represent African American culture, why are the days in Swahili (when black folk speak English)? And the candle lighting really reminds me of Hanukah.... Just something to consider...
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