Kwanzaa call for unity, empowerment, new heroes

Kwanzaa 2024 is expected to be a powerful voice petitioning for unity, cooperative action, and regional solidarity, according to the organisers of the annual festival.

Now in its 42nd year, the festival will not only honour African heritage but also push for the establishment of a cooperative credit union for Pan-Africanists in Barbados, express solidarity with struggling nations in the region, and call for the recognition of Nanny Grigg and Israel Lovell as national heroes.

Kwanzaa originated in the United States as a week-long annual celebration of African-American culture, held from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day.

Under the theme People’s Action, Unity, and Caribbean Peace, the festival will incorporate cultural performances, community engagement, and discussions aimed at advancing reparations and cooperative economics.

At a press conference on Tuesday at the Haynesville police outpost in St. James, General Secretary of the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration, David Denny, noted the importance of action and unity in the upcoming celebration.

He said: “This year, we want Barbadians to reflect on the principles of Kwanzaa and how they relate to the challenges we face as a region.

“We’ve tailored this year’s theme to include Caribbean peace because of our realities in Barbados and the Caribbean.”

Highlighting the festival’s solidarity with struggling nations, Denny noted its focus on Venezuela, Cuba, and Haiti.

“We want to show strong support for Venezuela and Cuba, particularly recognising the Cuban Revolution which [began] on January 1, [1959], as a symbol of resistance and liberation,” he said.

“And we cannot forget Haiti, whose independence revolution on January 1, 1804, paved the way for liberation across the Americas.”

The festivities will begin with a community parade led by the Haynesville Youth Club, starting at the Desmond Haynes Sports Complex in the community.

President of the club, Peter Skeete, described the event as an opportunity to showcase local talent while engaging residents.

“Our parade will travel through Haynesville, stopping at key points where our members will showcase their drumming and dance talents,” Skeete said.

“It’s an opportunity to engage the community and celebrate the vibrancy of our youth.”

The parade will culminate at the police outpost, where ambassadors from Cuba and Venezuela, alongside local officials and political representatives, are expected to address attendees.

Denny told Barbados TODAY that Kwanzaa will serve as a platform for deeper discussions on advancing Pan-African economic initiatives.

“We want to use Kwanzaa to advance the idea of building Pan-Africanist cooperatives,” he said.

“This could include creating credit unions or economic initiatives that empower communities while pushing the reparations struggle to a higher level.”

Special Envoy to the Prime Minister for Reparations and Economic Enfranchisement, Trevor Prescod, described the historical and cultural significance of Kwanzaa as critical to reclaiming African identity: “This is not just a celebration, it’s a time to heal and reclaim who we are as a people.

“Since the 15th century, doctrines of individualism and white supremacy were designed to divide us. Kwanzaa is about reversing that damage and uniting around our shared identity and goals.”

Prescod also noted the importance of cultural and economic unification: “We must embrace principles like love and respect for each other.

“Communities like Haynesville should see Kwanzaa as an opportunity to strengthen bonds and protect the future of their children.”

He added: “Kwanzaa is not a replacement for Christmas or Jesus Christ. It’s a cultural festival rooted in our African spirituality. The principles of Kwanzaa; unity, self-determination, collective work, and responsibility, are critical as we chart a path forward for the Caribbean.”

The celebrations will conclude on New Year’s Day with a call for action.

Denny shared that organisers will use the final day to demand national hero recognition of historical figures like Nanny Grigg, a leader of the April 1816 anti-slavery rebellion and Israel Lovell, a key figure in the July 1937 rebellion.

“We also want to make a strong statement of solidarity with Cuba, which is currently facing difficulties in accessing medication, and Haiti, which continues to fight for survival,” Denny said.

“The week’s discussions will culminate in a declaration of intent that advances cooperative economics, reparations, and unity.”

Created in 1966 by African-American activist and scholar Dr Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa draws on African harvest festival traditions and affirms seven principles of African heritage: unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba), and faith (Imani). While primarily observed in the United States, Kwanzaa has gained recognition in Barbados and several other countries in the African diaspora. (shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb)