Kwanzaa Collective makes Chicopee stop

Honorees, members of the Kwanzaa Collective and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau gather to celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa in the city hall auditorium.
Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet

CHICOPEE — The Kwanzaa Collective stopped in Chicopee on Dec. 30 to educate the public and celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa.

The Kwanzaa Collective’s celebration and education tour featured stops in multiple cities from Friday, Dec. 26 to Thursday, 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 Founder Ayanna Crawford thanked Mayor John Vieau and the city for allowing the organization to be able to showcase Kwanzaa and its cultural significance.

“I’d like to thank of course the city of Chicopee and its mayor for always opening its doors to diversity and cultural awareness It’s really important that all of us have a place in our cities,” Crawford said.

Vieau talked about his commitment to continue this event in the city and said, “Once thing about Chicopee is every is welcome here and I’m excited to celebrate Kwanzaa with those who celebrate it. I’ve learned so much over the last four years thanks you [Crawford] and really engaging me in what Kwanzaa means and what it’s all about.”

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 and 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 in Chicopee featured a brief history of Kwanzaa, a moment to recognize honorees from Chicopee, multiple performances and 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 four individuals who were recognized were Savannah Roman, owner of SunRise Sweets; Lesa Brantley, Chicopee Cultural council board member; Wilhemina Humphries; Chicopee Cultural Council and Disability Board member and Iris Crespo, retired EEC licensure for the state and VOC, a community advocate in Chicopee and volunteer for multiple organizations and boards.

Chicopee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Marcus Ware said he proudly represents 6,800 students in the district, 48% who identify as having a Hispanic or Latino background who also have the experience of the African American experience, according to Ware.

“Nearly 50% of our student body exists through African American roots and so it’s a nice thing to reflect upon that and I’m proud that I’m here to speak on behalf of it,” Ware said. “As I think about purpose, one of the things that I’d like to take back as superintendent is reminding us that we don’t need to just celebrate it today but we can carry it forward day on and day on.”

The event concluded with Vieau reading a proclamation to declare Kwanzaa week in Chicopee and banner dropping in the city hall auditorium.

Vieau talked about what it means to recognize the holiday in the city and stated, “Kwanzaa invites us at years end and consider how we support one another and our families here in the city of Chicopee. The seven principles of Kwanzaa encourage cooperation, responsibility, creativity and faith values that strengthen our neighborhoods and our future. Kwanzaa is a non-religious, inclusive observance that brings together through culture, tradition and a collective purpose which is something very special.”