This year has been very difficult, as the coronavirus pandemic rages with no end in sight. Consequently, the Christmas Season has been rather subdued. The emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants have led to panic. Families have tried, sometimes in vain, to obtain at-home covid-19 test kits or rapid testing to determine if they can travel to see their loved ones. The uncertainty and frustration were further compounded by a wave of flight cancellations resulting from airline staff contracting the virus and calling out sick from work.
Kwanzaa, the seven-day African-American celebration that begins, today, December 26, offers the opportunity for some much-needed relief. Symbolized by seven candles, Kwanzaa is practiced by celebrating one specific theme each day through January 1.
Today’s them is Umoja, which means unity. The overarching goal of Umoja is to “strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.”
The African-American has been put to the test of late, with families decimated by the covid-19 pandemic, poverty and climate change. Hurricanes, tornadoes, snow storms and ice storms have wreaked havoc from coast to coast in the United States, expanding to the globe in some cases.
By putting the focus on uniting the family, via the term “Umjoa” families begin the Kwanzaa season looking inward. Afterall, without a strong family unit, it is difficult for the community, neighborhood, city, state and country to grow and thrive. PM
