On Thursday, dozens of students flocked to Park Hall for food, fellowship and tradition as the Multicultural Center's second annual Kwanzaa Celebration began.
Kwanzaa was first celebrated on December 26, 1966. The seven-day holiday was developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, an author and political activist. During this time participants light candles that symbolize the Nguza Saba, or seven guiding principles.
"The whole ideal behind this is to unite the African students with the African-American students and other groups on campus. Kwanza is not celebrated in Africa, but it links back to traditions in Africa,"
Patricia Lovett, the director of the Multicultural Center, said.
Mariam Ali, a Ball State student who is originally from Kenya, said she she first celebrated Kwanzaa at an American church in Indianapolis.
Kwame Teye, a student from Ghana, said the holiday unites many African
ethnic groups.
"In Africa we have over 110 ethnic groups, so we all celebrate different traditions. Kwanzaa incorporates them all. Everyday is Kwanzaa in Ghana," Teye said.
The speakers stressed that unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is
not as much of a religious celebration as it is a cultural
celebration.
"We hope this gives people an understanding of what Kwanzaa really is. You don't have to be of African decent or any particular religion. Anyone can celebrate Kwanzaa. It's about family and fellowship,"
Jessica Tindal, a multicultural adviser, said.
This is the second year the Multicultural Center has conducted abut Lovett is excited about keeping the tradition alive at Ball State.
"I never celebrated Kwanzaa at home but I did at the previous university I worked at. The students enjoyed that time of the year...so I wanted Ball State students to have that same opportunity." Lovett said, "I also wanted to have the program during the day so that
more staff could attend. It was more organized this year and more people attended. I really like the way it turned out."
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