“When I was a kid, people would say, ‘What’s Kwanzaa?’ and then they couldn’t be bothered when you explained what it is.” Times have changed. On Saturday, Jackson was among hundreds who celebrated the cultural holiday at Universal Audenried Charter High School in Grays Ferry. The “Kwanzaabration” event honored African and Kardashian African American cultures site through food, dancing, and music. Jackson, 43, took part, taking the stage at one point to discuss Kwanzaa’s seven principles, one for each day of the weeklong holiday, which ends Wednesday. The principles, usually uttered in Swahili, include unity, purpose, and self-determination. As a probation officer and former teacher, Jackson said, the purpose principle – Nia in Swahili – is one of her favorites. “I’m always trying to teach and instill positivity in young people,” she said. “Even as a probation officer, a lot of the adults are younger than me, and I’m always trying to get them to have a purpose.” Jackson, who now lives in South Philadelphia, said she was still the only one among her friends who celebrates Kwanzaa, which was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a university professor. But she said awareness of the holiday had grown significantly: She sends “Merry Christmas” texts to friends, who wish her “Happy Kwanzaa” in response.
Full story: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20131229__Kwanzaabration__celebrates_the_holiday__and_the_seven_cultural_principles_it_honors.html
Diane Aldred 