Newham Voices’ Chief Reporter Neandra Etienne talk with Newham Voices Columnist Julia Omari about her familial ties with the pan-African holiday.

By Neandra Etienne

Kwanzaa table decoration — *Credit: Julia Omari*

Kwanzaa, a seven-day African American and pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community and culture, was created by Dr Maulana Karenga a professor of African Studies in 1966.

Newham Black Performing and Visual Arts Workshop, founded in 1982 by Tony Cheeseman, Pearla Boyce, Harrian Henry, Peter Mavunga and Nathalie Pierre, previously supported Kwanzaa.

Newham Voices columnist Julia Omari and her family have celebrated Kwanzaa (First Fruits) for around 25 years.

“Kwanzaa is a time to remember our heritage, give thanks to our ancestors and enjoy our family. It’s also about understanding the journey of our past, knowing where we stand in our present and actively planning our future, as an individual, a family, a community and a nation.”

Kwanzaa begins on 26 December and ends on 1 January – officialkwanzaawebsite.org

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