Last night in the Lenhart Grand Ballroom, the sixth annual Kwanzaa celebration took place. The theme of the night was Strength, Courage and Wisdom, A Salute to our African-American Men.
The celebration started when the audience walked into the Ballroom to instrumental music performed by Darren “Dirwood” Goodman and others. Round tables that sat 10 were set up around the Ballroom with places set for an elaborate meal. Before the meal began, the Negro National Anthem was sang by Jakise Oree, University freshman.
University Dining Services set up the “soul food” style buffet. As the audience ate, Together in God’s Hands Today Family Choir sang gospel songs, there was an interpretive dance by an 8-year-old girl and the history of Kwanzaa was colorfully explained by Klevor Abo, graduate student.
Zach Williams, Master of Ceremony, set up the evening by announcing each group and person that performed or read. The University’s Africana Dance Troupe, including the ADT Drummers, played African drums and danced African dances while wearing colorful costumes.
University President Sidney Ribeau offered his remarks of the holiday and the spirit of Kwanzaa.
“The seven principles of Kwanzaa, including respect and support, should be practiced every single day, not only on this stage. … Let it live in the lives of people who believe in freedom and justice and the rights to seek those things. This is the only thing that will make this planet better,” Ribeau said.
After Ribeau’s remarks, seven African-American male students presented the seven principles Kwanzaa. As they presented, they talked about how they used that principle in their own lives.
The seven principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
A story was told that talked about what the world would be like if there were no black people. They talked about how African-American people invented many different things that have changed the way of life. Such things as the hair brush, printing press, light bulb filament, air conditioning and heat. To end, the story teller said, “Without black people, we could very well still be in the dark.”
Then, a modern interpretive dance by Ilena Appling, freshman, and Gabiel Marquez, alumni was done.
To close the night, the “Tribute to the Brothas of BGSU” took place by showing a video of pictures taken by Sheila Brown, assistant director of the Center for Multicultural ‘ Academic Initiatives. Brown also headed the newly formed University group African Queens Vocal Ensemble during the video.
A farewell statement was presented by Brown, which also thanked the many co-sponsors of the event.
University sophomore, Michelle Spencer said she loved the celebration.
“The slide show was great, a lot of honor was given to the men,” she said.
This was Spencer’s second year attending the celebration. She said she does not celebrate Kwanzaa with her family, but she does with the University.
Terica Gould, freshman, also celebrates Kwanzaa with the University and not her family. This was her first year to celebrate. “I enjoyed the slide show, dancing and the choir. The food was also good,” Gould said.
Both girls plan on returning next year to celebrate Kwanzaa with University community.
