THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 8, 1994 TAG: 9412060188
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Rosalind Jennings, with her Kente print head piece, smiled, clapped and cheered throughout Old Dominion University's Kwanzaa celebration.
To her, the school's effort to celebrate black unity and culture was handled in just the right way.
``I thought the program was excellent. I'm glad ODU is doing something for the African-American students,'' said Jennings of Chesapeake. ``It lets you know the students are trying to do something positive.''
This is the second year ODU has held a Kwanzaa observance. The program, which included African music, food and dancing, was touted as Hampton Roads' largest Kwanzaa celebration.
To many African-Americans, Kwanzaa is a chance to embrace cultural beliefs and customs. But to others, the holiday is a mystery.
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who adopted the principles of the harvest festival in Africa. Karenga stated that the principles found in producing the harvest ``are vital to the building and maintenance of strong and wholesome communities.''
The festival is based on seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa officially begins on Dec. 26 and runs until Jan. 1.
A fashion show, African dancing, storytelling and singing were just some of the highlights of ODU's program, which was both entertaining and educational.
The audience could not just sit back and watch the activities on the stage. At times, they stood, shouted and joined in rhythmic clapping.
``I think the program was more successful than last year,'' said Theresa T. Mitchell, coordinator of ODU's African-American Cultural Center. ``There was more enthusiasm (this year).''
Kwanzaa is not intended to be a religious holiday or a replacement for Christmas. However, Vernetta Crowner, an ODU senior, said she celebrates Kwanzaa instead of Christmas.
``It's more of a black holiday,'' said Crowner, 21. ``It should be deeper than . . . gifts, gifts, gifts.''
Crowner, a member of ODU's black student alliance, said the program turned out very well. ``I'm really happy a lot of people came out,'' she said.
About 600 people attended the celebration, said Coretta Cook, who headed ODU's program. This year, she said, organizers focused more on reaching out into the community.
``We wanted to let them know we're here, not just for African-American students but for the African-American community in Hampton Roads,'' said Cook, who is director of ODU's Multicultural Services.
Members of Virginia Beach's Alanton Elementary Black Male Culture Club participated in the lighting of the Nguzo Saba - the green, red and black candles. Each member lit a candle and recited one of Kwanzaa's seven principles.
Jonathan Haynes, who has been involved with the club for four years, said recognizing Kwanzaa helps them to survive and understand their culture.
``The program went well,'' said Haynes, 14. ``I enjoyed it.''
With red, black and green balloons in hand, Ruth Wood went from table to table tasting the wide variety of foods, such as curry chicken, red beans and rice and peach cobbler.
``This is certainly much larger (than last year),'' said Wood, who came with four friends. ``I really enjoyed the fashion show. It's interesting to see how different parts of the world adapt to the weather.''
Coretta Cook said this year was a success and she hopes everyone who attended got a sense of what Kwanzaa stands for.
``In terms of African Americans, I hope they got a sense of what we believe Kwanzaa means,'' Cook said. ``I think for those that weren't here, they missed out on a fabulous opportunity.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by TAMARA VONINSKI
Lawrence Newman and Ruth Wood listen to the Ebony Impact Gospel
Choir at the Kwanzaa celebration.
by CNB