Culture, identity and self-determination highlight day two of Kwanzaa

Ngozi Farm and Cultural Sanctuary in Turners Hall, St Andrew, was alive with culture, music, and reflection on Saturday as activities continued for the second day of Kwanzaa, part of the week-long observance running until January 1.

Under the theme, Embracing Identity and Resilience: Standing Strong in Our Heritage of Self-Determination, Creating Sustainable Futures, the fifth edition attracted a wide cross-section of the community.

The day opened with a vendors’ market and continued in the afternoon with heritage games.

Kujichagulia, or self-determination, was the focus of the second day of Kwanzaa, spotlighting cultural identity and collective empowerment.

A highlight was the Blessing Ceremony, which featured chanting, singing, and drumming during a lively procession into the sanctuary.

Founder of Ngozi Farm and Cultural Sanctuary, Ireka Jelani, welcomed patrons, saying, “We are here to celebrate family, we are here to celebrate culture, we are here to celebrate heritage, and we are here to celebrate community.”

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and the National Cultural Foundation, the celebration also featured remarks from Special Advisor on Culture and Cultural Heritage in the Prime Minister’s Office Senator John King.

Encouraging unity, he said, “I want to encourage every single person in this room to think of yourself not in terms of colour, not in terms of white or black, Jew or Gentile, none of those things. I want you to begin to think of yourselves as a part of the human family, an integral part of the human family.”

He said, “Kwanzaa gives us the opportunity to think about ourselves collectively,” and urged participants to reflect on their responsibilities.

“That collectiveness is the thing that causes us at any given point in time to be able to move as a people from one state of being to another.”

Senator King urged attendees to reflect on their personal responsibility to improve the world and to apply the principles of Kwanzaa in contributing positively to others.

Shameka Watson, representing the parliamentary representative for St Andrew, Dr Rommel Springer, said self-determination is about reclaiming historical narratives and teaching children that their heritage is rooted in greatness and excellence.

The programme concluded with a cultural extravaganza. The upbeat segment opened with saxophonist Shakhouri Thompson. Among the featured performers were Poetree Barbados, Haynesville Youth Club, the All Nation Drummers, and climaxed with a high-energy finale by reggae band the Rite Side of Red. (STT)