Paulette Roberts understands the cancellations of many well-known Columbus events this calendar year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But she feels strongly that the celebration of the Black heritage holiday of Kwanzaa go on, even though it will be limited to a taped, virtual gathering via Zoom on the Facebook page of the Bartholomew County Public Library.
“I think African American culture and history is even more important today than it has been for many, many years,” said Roberts, who was among those that helped launch Kwanzaa celebrations locally in 1992. “And I think that is because of all of the racial upheaval and so many of the painful things that have gone on this year that have caused African Americans so much worry and stress.”
This year’s one-hour online gathering organized by the Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch in conjunction with the library will be at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Part of the free event will include lighting the mishumaa saba, Swahili for seven candles, symbolizing Kwanzaa’s seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
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Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage and African American culture. It is observed Saturday through Jan. 1. Local gatherings have regularly included people other than Blacks according to organizers, who emphasize that all are welcome.
“Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense,” said founder and Black studies professor Maulana Karenga, who launched the holiday in 1966.
Roberts and others always have stressed that the event is open to all. In fact, Roberts has regularly encouraged all ethnicities to attend gatherings connected to local Black causes and events, ranging from Juneteenth to the African American Pastors Alliance. She has emphasized that Black history is a significant part of American history.
NAACP member Cabrina Jackson is the coordinator of the local event — and a local resident who regularly has touted the importance of awareness of Black culture and related topics among both minorities and others.
“One of the central themes of Kwanzaa is promoting unity,” Jackson said. “And we really need that in this country right now because we seem to be so divided. And if it means we do a little Kwanzaa program to bring back a little of our unity locally, then we do a Kwanzaa program.
“It’s heartbreaking to think that we’re in 2020, and some people are behaving toward others as they did hundreds of years ago long before civil rights were enacted.”
Pastor Johnnie Edwards, president of the local NAACP chapter, will speak during an introductory portion of the program. He is optimistic that these types of presentations are both significant and healthy.
“I believe that people are interested in finding ways to heal (emotionally and racially),” Edwards said, repeating a theme he has emphasized since summer in both interviews and public remarks. He said that such events can “make sure that we’re all treating one another with love and respect.”
And Edwards understands if many beyond the Black community are just discovering Kwanzaa. He knew nothing of it until the early 1990s when he served in the military.
“The principles of Kwanzaa tie in very well with what’s happening in our world today,” he said. “Everyone knows that we’re beginning to look for ways to come together. And if Kwanzaa can help us do that, then I am all for it.”
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What: The Columbus/Bartholomew County Area NAACP Branch’s celebration of Kwanzaa, working with the Bartholomew County Public Library.
When: 5 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Via Zoom on the library’s Facebook page.
Information: mybcpl.org
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