Kwanzaa Collective in the Valley President Ayanna Crawford discusses the traditional Kwanzaa table layout.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — The Kwanzaa Collective in the Valley stopped in Chicopee on Dec. 27 to educate the public and celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa.
The Kwanzaa Collective announced its 2024 Kwanzaa itinerary, featuring events across Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke. From Thursday, Dec. 26 to Wednesday, Jan. 1, the organization visited multiple cities to bring awareness of Kwanzaa across the Pioneer Valley by teaching the seven principles across seven days.
Kwanzaa Collective in the Valley President Ayanna Crawford explained, “What we decided, and we’ve been doing this sort of regional approach of going into different cities and towns and asking if they would be interested in celebrating Kwanzaa and bringing people from the African American community, the Black and Latino community, to support this effort and all those cities and towns have been very, very supportive of it.”
On Dec. 27, the Collective recognized and celebrated the Kujichagulla candle which represents self-determination during its visit to Chicopee.
The event featured the history of Kwanzaa, a moment to recognize honorees, an award presentation to residents, speakers, poets, African dancing and drumming, a proclamation from Mayor John Vieau and light refreshments.
Crawford explained that Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday and is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan.1. It was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, honors African American heritage and culture through seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The event also featured a soul-healing session led by Maria Del Carmen Rodriguez, who inspired attendees with the powerful rhythms, sounds and vibrations that connect us to one another and our shared heritage.
The three individuals who were recognized were Johanna Maldonado, owner of Moda Mia; Lydia Rivera Early, owner of Lids Live Well and Reene Anderson, owner of Natural Taste.
Rodriguez addressed the crowd and said, “I just want to thank you again for hosting the Kwanzaa Collective once again here in Chicopee. Our start of the day and festivities yesterday were truly heartfelt.”
Crawford talked about her personal experience growing up with Kwanzaa and why she continues to celebrate and educate others.
She said, “I celebrated Kwanzaa my entire life. My mother brought Kwanzaa into our family as a young girl. I remember lighting the candles, going through the principles, creating wonderful gifts by hand and really talking about what is this going to look like in the future or what is this going to look like for the next year.”
Vieau read a proclamation to declare Kwanzaa week in Chicopee and shared his thoughts.
He said, “It really is an honor to celebrate Kwanzaa and raise the flag in recognition of the importance of the African American culture and really celebrate that here in Chicopee today. It is a time to reflect on seven principles which promotes unity, purpose, creativity and faith. Values that resonate deeply with all communities striving for harmony and progress and in the city of Chicopee we want everyone to always feel welcome.”
