Joyous Kwanzaa

it is the light
of candles
that shines brightly
after a long journey
of darkness,
that empowers my soul
and proclaims my place
in the culture of humanity

it is the sounds that vibrate
across the earth with an echo
that whisper and sings my song

it is the smell of nameless souls
long gone, that was cast out
of the family of man, whose scent
dwells beneath my skin

it is the taste of
the pain of yesterday, with
the flavor of hope for tomorrow
proclaiming here I stand

it is the touching of my heart
with your heart
in joyful celebration
of the sacrifice of our ancestors

Kwanzaa

- Alfonso Siverls

Today we celebrate the light of African Americans beginning the celebration of Kwanzaa, seven days of lighting candles for the seven principles of Kwanzaa:

• Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.

• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.

• Ujamaa (Cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

• Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

• Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

• Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

This cultural celebration of first fruits is celebrated during this holidy season in addition to the religious holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas. Marked with vivid colors and fresh fruit, this joyous celebration honors the joys and sacrifices of the Africa American community.

At Retreat House, all are welcome at the table, and all offerings of prayer are embraced. In this way, we live a rule of life filled with love and hope for humanity. Much like the celebrations of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, we llight a candle daily to begin our gatherings. This simple gesture invites us to see the light in all of our work, play, and prayer.

Today, I light a candle for all who are celebrating Kwanzaa. May celebrations bring light and hope to those who join in the dance. May you be seen and heard as the vibrant children God created you to be and our brothers and sisters who have been treated as less than for far too many years. May others learn from your courage and your brave vulnerability to believe who you are.

Joyous Kwanzaa!

Lil Smith

RH Director

Spiritual Director and Supervisor