The African-American Cultural Center hosted a festive celebration of Kwanzaa, a holiday of African-American origin dedicated to unity.
Kwanzaa takes place from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, and because the University is on break during that period, the AACC holds a celebration early to educate others and share a unique part of African American culture.
The Kwanzaa celebration included food and drinks, speeches given by students sharing their experiences with the holiday and a colorful African-themed dance performance put on by a local dance group.
Alan Purcell Jr., graduate assistant of African-American student affairs in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said an event celebrating Kwanzaa offers students a unique opportunity to learn something important about other cultures.
“Kwanzaa is really all about celebrating unity and working together,” Purcell said. “The purpose is to remind communities that working together will guide you to a fruitful life.”
Purcell said many people have misconceptions about Kwanzaa and see it as an alternative to other holidays more widely recognized, such as Christmas or Hanukkah.
“Celebrating Kwanzaa is not a holiday about gift giving,” Purcell said. “It is about coming together and reflection on heritage and what makes a community better. No matter what other holiday you celebrate, you can still learn from Kwanzaa.”
Purcell said he hopes students leave knowing Kwanzaa can help communities and individuals become better, no matter what their circumstance.
“Wherever you come from and whatever you believe in, there are certain principles that you need to abide by to be a good person,” Purcell said. “This whole event was designed to share with the LSU community that Kwanzaa is a unique holiday that is all about helping people be better.”

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Lauren Duhon

African-American Student Affairs coordinator LaKeitha Poole discusses the meaning of Kwanzaa Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 at the University's African-American Cultural Center Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration.