In mid-December, the Africana Studies Center brought warmth, rhythm, and cultural pride to campus with its annual pre-Kwanzaa celebration, welcoming a vibrant cross-section of the college community.
Sponsored by the Music Program (with Professor Mark Adams representing), the Black Studies Program, the Africana Studies Center, and York’s Justice Teaching Corps, the festive gathering opened with music by the KA Collective, a five-piece ensemble dressed in Afrocentric attire, whose dynamic performances blended history, storytelling, and spirited music. Their presentation celebrated “resilience, resistance, and the enduring strength of African and African-descended peoples.”
Dr. Lindamichelle Baron — Teacher Education professor and director of the Africana Resource Center, and the celebrated Poet Laureate of Hempstead, Long Island — served as emcee for the ceremony. She shared selections from her latest poetry collection, Just Sayin’, setting a reflective yet joyful tone.
Pittershawn Palmer of the Office of Marketing and Communications also delighted attendees by reciting one of her own poems, “Spinning,” enriching the experience with creativity and celebration. It was also a delight to see members of the York Student Government participating with glee.
A highlight of the program was a thoughtful and engaging presentation by Dr. Remi Alapo, based on her essay, “Kwanzaa and Ubuntu Philosophy: A Pan-African Framework for Cultural Renewal.” She reminded the audience that Kwanzaa, celebrated annually from December 26 to January 1, is far more than a holiday—it is a joyful affirmation of African heritage, shared values, and collective purpose.
“At its core,” Dr. Alapo explained, “Kwanzaa celebrates the Nguzo Saba — the seven principles that nurture unity, responsibility, creativity, and faith within African-descended communities.” While developed in the African American context, these principles draw from a deep continental tradition, particularly the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which centers interconnectedness and shared humanity.
Established in 1966 by scholar-activist Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a non-religious, non-political “or not heroic” seven-day cultural celebration inspired by African harvest traditions. Created to foster unity and pride, the holiday continues to serve as a powerful reminder of community strength and cultural continuity.
Dr. Alapo concluded by guiding participants through the seven days of Kwanzaa (December 26 through January 1 — highlighting the meaning and joy behind each principle:
- Umoja (Unity) celebrates togetherness and the power of community.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) affirms identity, voice, and cultural pride.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) and
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) emphasizes shared effort, mutual support, and collective success.
- Nia (Purpose) and
- Kuumba (Creativity) encourages everyone to contribute their talents toward the common good.
- Imani (Faith) reflects confidence in the people, the ancestors, and the generations yet to come.
Professor Andrew “Sekou” Jackson, as usual, conducted the official ritual of Kwanzaa, including the lighting of the candles, and discussed its meaning. Together, the performances, poetry, and reflections made the Kwanzaa celebration a joyful and meaningful campus tradition, one that honors heritage, inspires unity, and uplifts the spirit of the season.
“Each year, I offer several presentations on Kwanzaa to various audiences to reinforce for some and introduce to others the history, purpose, and significance of Kwanzaa and its value system found in the Nguzo Sama -Seven Principles,” said Professor Jackson. “They can be used as guideposts in our daily lives — not just for those 7 days, but throughout the year.”
Dr. Patricia Haggler, chair of the History, Philosophy and Anthropology, literally had the last word, putting the event into historical and current day perspective.
“In this present political climate, it is important that we keep Black History at the forefront of our conversations and in our institutions of learning,” said Dr. Haggler. “We cannot allow the stories of African Americans and others of the African diaspora to be erased. Kwanzaa is a part of the Black history that gives meaning and purpose to community and celebrates African American culture and people.”
York College annually recognizes multiple December holidays by displaying symbolic decorations in the main atrium, including a Christmas tree, a Menorah for Hanukkah, and a Kwanzaa kinara.
