Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a holiday, celebrated from December 26 through January 1st, devoted to the celebration of African family, community, and culture.
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) History
In February of 1968, African American Unitarian Universalists established the Black Affairs Council (BAC), the purpose of which was to support the empowerment of African Americans in a predominantly Euro-American culture. In June of 1968, during General Assembly in Cleveland, OH, delegates voted to commit one million dollars over four years to fund BAC. With this money, BAC gave several grants to people and groups throughout the U.S. whose work furthered black empowerment. One of the grant recipients was Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana Studies at California State University in Long Beach, CA. Dr. Karenga is the creator of Kwanzaa. Thus, the history of Kwanzaa is tied to Unitarian Universalist History.
Action
If your congregation is predominantly Euro-American, it may be difficult to observe Kwanzaa in an authentic manner. Instead of holding a Kwanzaa service, we invite you take the opportunity to learn more about the black empowerment movement and the social issues that gave rise to it. Use the resources below as a starting point.
If you are the adoptive parent of children of African descent, you may wish to establish a relationship with an African American spiritual community that observes Kwanzaa and other cultural celebrations.
Resources
The Official Kwanzaa Web Site—Dr. Karenga's website on Kwanzaa
Black Pioneers in a White Denomination, by Mark Morrison-Reed
Wilderness Journey: The Struggle for Black Empowerment and Racial Justice within the UUA (1967-1970). A video "oral history" of the first-hand participants in the so-called Black Empowerment Controversy within the UUA of the 1960s and 1970s. Produced by Ron Cordes. Available from District libraries.
UUA Resources About Racism and Classism
Last updated on Friday, November 14, 2008.
