Greater Chattanooga community celebrates annual Kwanzaa event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Many people gathered to celebrate an African American tradition on December 30.

Eastdale Village Community Church hosted a Kwanzaa celebration Saturday afternoon.

Speakers explained the importance of the seven day celebration, which begins on December 26 each year.

During the celebration of Kwanzaa, a red, black, or green candle is lit each day to focus on one of the corresponding principles.

Seven principles are represented through seven candles that resemble the Pan-African flag.

Red representing Suffering, Black standing for the People, and Green standing for the Motherland (hope/future).

Dr. Charlotte Williams commemorated the tradition with an in-depth understanding of African American culture and history.

She explained Kwanzaa translates to first fruits.

Williams also emphasized that it is a cultural celebration for all African Americans– not separated by religious denomination.

A big part of the service focused on remembering the sacrifices made by those who came before.

“These ancestors are like a cloud of witnesses who are watching, waiting, and cheering us on. These ancestors are those that have paved the way, and paid the way for us. We remember them because we do not stand on our own. We remember them because of the sacrifices that they have given to us. Simply being here, fellowshipping with one another, is a sacrifice,” Williams said.

The ceremony included various members of the community, explaining each of the seven Kwanzaa principles in detail.

An annual Kwanzaa celebration was held on Dec. 30, 2023 at Eastdale Village Community Church. Seven candles were lit in honor of the African American tradition.

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

Williams further supported the unification of the African American culture by saying, “We are one people. We were just dropped off in different ports on the sea.”

“Those that woke up in the middle of a storm, but they prayed for you and I. We will remember them. That their DNA is a part of us. We remember that they didn’t steal slaves. They stole scientists. They stole mathematicians. They stole farmers. They stole builders. They stole blacksmiths. They stole educators. Their DNA is within us. So because they live, we will live. We will be the answer to their prayers,” Williams said.

Ashe— the African translation meaning, “So Be It.” signified unity of the communal event.