Fourth Annual Greater Toronto Kwanzaa Celebrations showcase virtual and in-person events

BY PAUL JUNOR

From Tuesday, December 26^th to Monday, January 7^th, 2024, the African-Caribbean community celebrated Kwanzaa, which means first fruits of the harvest.

There were virtual and in-person events that took place over the 7-day harvest festival that brought together many from the: Black, African and Caribbean communities to celebrate this cultural holiday. Many of the events highlighted the important roots of the festival, which is steeped in African: traditions, customs, values, practices, heritages and roots.

One of the community organizations that was instrumental in organizing the final day of the Kwanzaa celebration was Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN). They are a not-for-profit agency whose primary focus is on building and strengthening the service framework for African Canadians through the use of psycho-social interventional approaches.

It was great to see the different ways that community-based organizations celebrated the Nguzo Saba. The seven principles associated with the Nguzo Saba were highlighted by different groups and organizations.

Day 1: Tuesday, December 26^th

The first principle of ” Umoja” which means “Unity” to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community and nation was celebrated with a Grand Rising hosted by Itah Sadhu of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. The question that was highlighted was, “How can you strive for and maintain unity in your family? Your community? Your nation?” The song for reflection was “Worth His Weight in Gold,” by Steel Pulse. There was a Kwanzaa event hosted at Knowledge Bookstore located in Brampton which was hosted by Sean Liburd.

Day 2: Wednesday, December 27^th

The second principle ” Kujicgagulia” means “Self-Determination.” Three fundamental questions were prompted:

1 What am I?

2. Am I living up to my true self?
3. Am I living up to my full potential?

The song for reflection was, “I am the Black Gold of the Sun,” by Connection and Minnie Riperton. The Kwanzaa Celebration was hosted by MAAT in Scarborough.

Day 3: Thursday, December 28^th

The third principle is “Ujima” which means “Collective Work and Responsibility.” There was an event held at Anadinkradarm which is located at New Lowell in Ontario.

Day 4: Friday, December 29^th

The fourth principle of “Ujima” means “Cooperative Economics.” There was an event held at Ujima House, which is a Father Focused Family Centre titled Kalabash.

Day 5: Saturday, December 30^th

The fifth principle of “Nia” means “Purpose.” There was a presentation by Dr. Vidall organized by the York Alliance of African Canadian Communities. Dr. Vidall spoke about using the seven principles of Kwanzaa to enhance mental well-being. Communities AFWI Grove hosted an event ” For The Culture” which featured: live music, drumming, dance activities, workshops and food demos.

Day 6: Sunday, December 31^st

The sixth principle is “Kuumba” which means “Creativity.”  CAFCAN posted an action step, “Let’s think of various ways we can harness and preserve our creative energies to build a strong vibrant community.” There was a Kwanzaa (Kreative Expressions) held online that celebrated the richness of our culture and the power of our creativity.

Day 7: Monday, January 1^st

The seventh principle “Imani” means “Faith.” CAFCAN hosted the event at the JCA.

Ginelle Skerritt, CEO of the York Region Catholic Children Aid Society (YRCDCA) talked about the importance of the last day of Kwanzaa, the beginning of 2024

and the end of the United Nations Decade of People of African Descent.

Brother Nosakhere, owner of Nile Valley Books located at 1921 Gerrard St. E in Toronto observes, “Kwanzaa is a great uniting and celebrating event in our community. We become united on the uplifting principles of the Ngubo Saba to restore our great African mind, consciousness, culture and restoration of the African family.”