It was a perfect evening for the 2nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration hosted by Councilman Daniel K. Tabor and Inglewood residents.

The event was held this past Saturday, at Darby Park in Inglewood and featured guest artists, delicious food, a plethora of history and plenty of

fun. Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture. The Kwanzaa celebration was

created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach.

There was no charge to the community for this event which was sponsored by Waste Management and Inglewood Today. Inglewood residents and

dignitaries turned out in big numbers for this Kwanzaa event. District 1 Commissioners came out in full force and included Bill Alexander,

Joy Brown-Price, Alena Cindy Giardina, Michael Massenburg, Mari Morales, Pearl Ellis, Marshae Kinney, Norris Turner, Byron Kirkwood, Jean

Williams and Twain Wilson.

“What is unique with this Kwanzaa celebration is that it is a collaboration of participants from various community organizations from the

program’s inception to the end,” stated Councilman Tabor. He also emphasized that inter-generations and multi-ethnic diversity is

captivated during this event and reflects the fabric of culturally enriched Inglewood. 

There was something for everyone as pre-event activities began at 4 p.m. with dynamic classes for the youth. These classes included arts

and crafts sessions and featured doll making, hand weaving, drum making. There was also a storybook reading session with narration by

Teacher of the Year finalist Terry Norwood, owner of Bright Stars Reading Club. There was no charge for the event and all materials for

the classes were provided.

The opening processional began at 6 p.m. with a drumming procession and the seating of the elders. The inspiring anthem “Lift Every Voice

and Sing” was performed by the Bethesda Temple Choir. Tynya Beverly provided essential Kwanzaa information to the audience in between

entertainment presented by famed choreographer Damita Jo Freeman and Tamica Washington of the renowned Lula Washingon Dance Company. Both

Damita and Lula reside in the city of Inglewood. The crowd was also treated to performances by Fantasia Dance Troupe, Jyon Gray and Kyra

Banks.

 Community participants included Wilder’s Preparatory Academy; Kelso Elementary School; City Honors High School; Inglewood Cultural Arts;

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Inglewood Alumni Chapter; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Inglewood-South Bay Alumni Chapter; A Bright Beginning;

Much More Bounce, One For All (OFA) and the Inglewood Chapter of Jack and Jill.

Among the event highlights was the libation ceremony, which is done to remember and honor the ancestors and the legacy they left for as

long as the sun shines and the waters flow. Continuing in the tradition of bringing the community together, the event concluded with the

sharing of food. The menu included macaroni and cheese, greens, chicken and much more.

 “We involve segments of Kwanzaa that reflect the true expressions and the principles and interpret them in such a way to make them

relevant for everyday living with structure and purpose,” stated Councilman Tabor.

Over the seven days of Kwanzaa (December 26 through January 1st) participants dedicate themselves to reflecting on the following

principals in an effort to better ourselves, family, and community.
Future plans for this Kwanzaa event will be an expansion from a one day celebration to multiple days. The current committee members who

assisted Councilman Tabor were Mario Smith, Michael Massenburg, Tynya Beverly, Marshae Kinney, Michael Massenburg, B. Scottye Price,

TaLauna Beverly-Simmons, Krishna Tabor, Doug Brown, Cresia Green-Davis, Cynthia Manker, Mari Morales and Elliott Petty.   For more event

information, sponsor and vendor opportunities contact Cresia Green-Davis at (310) 412-8602.

The Kwanzaa Holiday reminds us of a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest

sense.  The principals of Kwanzaa are universal and can be celebrated by all races and ages and are as follows:

Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility):To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our

problems, and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their

traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than

we inherited it.

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of

our struggle.