Before they break for the holiday, students celebrated Kwanzaa on Tuesday, highlighting principles that have been honored in African culture for centuries.
The University’s African-American Cultural Center hosted the Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration for the holiday, which began in the 1960s and is founded on the seven principles of Kwanzaa — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Although Kwanzaa is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year, the University’s celebration was Tuesday evening to give students an opportunity to gather before the end of the semester.
The crowd of students and Baton Rouge community members who gathered to celebrate and reflect on the importance of heritage was diverse, representing all races, ages and religions.
Many attendees dressed up in black clothes or traditional African garments.
“It’s a way to bridge the gap between African heritage and African-American culture,” said anthropology and film senior Morgan Weir. “Many African-Americans aren’t in touch with their African heritage.”
The event began with a litany — a dialogue between the group and a leader — emphasizing the spirit and culture of ancestors.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Life and College of Education professor Darrell Ray was the keynote speaker and spoke about the importance of African-American families, culture and spirituality.
“During this time of year, we think about the connections we have with family and the ancestors that we miss,” Ray said. “Our connections drive us and push us, and we are excited to progress and move on to better days.”
Ray said Kwanzaa is celebrated at this time of year because it’s connected to the New Year, a time when people consider who they are and what they want to accomplish in the new season.
“Think about what kind of energy you want to take into the new year,” Ray said. “Over the course of the holiday season, think about how you can enrich someone else’s life.”
The message from Ray was followed by musical performances by curriculum and instruction Ph.D. student Reagan Mitchell, who played the saxophone, and kinesiology sophomore Anna Davis.
Although Mitchell and Davis are new to Kwanzaa, Mitchell said his family loosely celebrated the holiday as he grew up.
“It’s about creating connections to the motherland, which is Africa,” Mitchell said. “For me, it’s about the importance of our history.”
Kinesiology sophomore Anna Davis performs a vocal solo during the LSU African American Cultural Center's Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration on Tuesday night in the Atchafalaya Room in the Student Union.
