By Nelson A. King
The Caribbean community
in New York last Sunday began
celebrating Kwanzaa, the seven
day celebration of African-
American heritage and culture,
which is observed each year
from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Brooklyn State Assembly
Member Diana Richardson, the
daughter of Aruban and St.
Martin immigrants, noted that
Kwanzaa, a Swahili word for
“first fruits,” commemorates
ancient African festivals of harvest
and shared blessings.
“The festival honors the
ancestral roots of African
American culture through
family and community activities
derived from traditions and
practices found throughout
Africa and its Diaspora,” said
Richardson, who represents
the 43rd Assembly District in
Central Brooklyn.
She said the holiday is
observed by reflecting on each
of the seven core principles
that are rooted in pan-African
culture: Unity (Umoja), Selfdetermination
Caribbean L 20 ife, January 7-13, 2022
(Kujichagulia),
Collective work and responsibility
(Ujima), Cooperative
Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose
(Nia), Creativity (Kuumba) and
Faith (Imani).
“Kwanzaa is a time for families
and communities to come
together to remember the past
and to celebrate African American
culture,” Richardson said.
“As those in our community
prepare to light the first candle
on the kinara, I would like to
extend my warmest wishes for
a joyous holiday.
“As always, a reminder that
in unity, there is strength,”
added Richardson.
In his Kwanzaa message,
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
said that “on the strength
of great blessings, we can overcome
great obstacles.
“And, as we continue to confront
new and mounting challenges,
we must be driven by
Umoja, unity, in purpose and
toward progress,” said the son
of Grenadian immigrants.
“Guided by the example
and lifted by the legacy of our
ancestors, we can and will persevere
as we have in the past,”
Williams affirmed. “Embracing
the seven principles in our
lives and our communities, let
us reflect on the last year, and
look to the next with hope and
expectation.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse
Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of
the Brooklyn Democratic
Party, noted that Kwanzaa
was created in 1966 by Dr.
Maulana Karenga, a professor
of Africana studies, “looking
for ways to unite the community.”
The daughter of Haitian
immigrants, who represents
the 42nd Assembly District
in Brooklyn, wishes the community
“a Kwanzaa filled with
light, joy and purpose.
“And may we celebrate
togetherness even when we
are separated by distance,”
she said.
Congresswoman Yvette
D. Clarke, the daughter of
Jamaican immigrants, who
represents the 9th Congressional
District in Brooklyn,
tweeted: “Habari Gani! To
all those celebrating Kwanzaa
this year, may this celebration
of family, culture
and community deliver light
where it is most needed.”
Caribbean community
celebrates Kwanzaa
For the past 12 years, we have been servicing
the community with dignity and compassion.
We look forward to the future providing
the same excellent service.
F U N E R A L H O M E
Serving the Community with Dignity
���� We have one of the Largest Chapels in the New York City area
���� We provide Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services
���� We offer great pricing and you can depend on our professionalism
���� Valet Parking Available
����������������������������������������������������������������������������
TEL: ����������������������������
������������������������������������������