By Paula Anderson
Community supporters and leaders gathered on Dec. 26 to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa at Bridges located near St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the 2nd annual
Kwanzaa Celebration, which included community leaders participating in the celebration along with an interpretive dance, and a vendor marketplace.
Scedella Gregory, founder and president, organized the event. Although the event is in its second year, Gregory has been focused on Black Cultural events for several years.
“I was living in Los Angeles when I experienced a heightened awareness for our culture, its roots and our community, while living in the View Park neighborhood and being surrounded by what was often referred to as the center of the African American Renaissance, aka Leimert Park Plaza. It boasted the likes of businesses such as 'Crossroads- the Marla Gibbs Theatre,' Black owned restaurants, coffee houses and art spaces.
One such place, located nearby, Cooper’s Art Gallery, was famous for selling Black art pieces which gained popularity during the late and early 90’s. It was there that I met a well-known art dealer with whom I became friends and later worked on selling artwork during Black History month for several years at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival held in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, a mall located in the heart of South Los Angeles," said Gregory.
Before forming a nonprofit, Gregory hosted Kwanzaa events in her home.
“We typically celebrated Creativity or 'Kuumba,' the sixth principle with a feast or 'Karamu,' enjoying dishes such as sweet potato cornbread, peas, rice and cabbage while
hand-crafting items such as beaded bracelets, Kwanzaa themed ornaments or painted
glassware. However, the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted this tradition and afterward
created a sense of responsibility to bring the celebration forward with broader
participation and presence."
After enlisting the help of a sorority sister, Mrs. Beaver, plans for her nonprofit festival gained traction.
This year's program was held on Dec. 26 and it included community leaders such as Rev. Dr. Almella Umoja, Attorney Van D. Turner (keynote speaker) and Dr. David L. Acey, Sr. and Yvonne B. Acey who were honored due to their commitment to cultural awareness.
"As the festival’s centerpiece, the Umoja Day Program, presented timely messages from various community leaders including, Dr. Almell Umoja – “Faith,” Fatima Sillah – “Africa Will Rise,” and the keynote speaker, Attorney Van D. Turner who, during his poignant keynote speech, reminded everyone of the reason for Kwanzaa and the significance of its current and future celebrations. Other highlights of the program included music, dance and video artistry,"said Gregory.
Gregory sought the help of Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival co-founders, Dr. David L. Acey, Sr. and Yvonne B. Acey for the program.
“I gleaned knowledge and wisdom from Dr. David Acey, Sr. and Yvonne B. Acey, knowing that I wanted this event to have a festival concept because UNITY was and will always remain its central principle. It is, I feel, the premise on which the founder of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, started the celebration in 1966 in response to the 1965 Watts uprising
because he desired to bring a sense of unity within the Black community, which is also
why the first principle, Umoja: Unity is so important to Bluff City Kwanzaa," said
Gregory.
Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles – Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics) Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Gregory’s event was designed to Celebrate, Educate, Liberate and Elevate the community through joint participation and efforts. “I want us to always celebrate us, honor our roots and support our community during this season which uniquely belongs to us and provides us with that opportunity.”
Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles – Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Nia (purpose).
“Karenga wanted to bring a send of unity within the Black community which is why the first principle (unity) is so important,” said Gregory.
To learn more, visit bluffcitykwanzaa.com.
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