music
ambience: drumming
Some 25 years ago, a new holiday was born — Kwanzaa, a celebration of African-American community and culture that takes place in the last week of the year. Many families observe Kwanzaa at home, and some communities hold public events, like the one we’re listening to right now. I’m Jim Metzner and this is the Pulse of the Planet.
“Today we’re setting up for a community Kwanzaa celebration here in Santa Cruz, California. And today’s the first day of Kwanzaa and we celebrate Umoja, which means unity.”
Pulse of the Planet listener Ana Marden and her children join in the annual Kwanzaa festivities in Santa Cruz, now in their third year. The day features performances by local young people…
ambience: two girls singing
The mistress of ceremonies describes the Kwanzaa traditions, including the libation ritual.
“This is a special cup that is used to perform libation ritual during the Karamu feast of the sixth day of Kwanzaa. During the Karamu feast, the Kikombe cha umoja is passed to family members and guests who drink from it to promote unity. Then the eldest person present pours the libation in the direction of the four winds to honor the ancestors.”
ambience: Harambe chant
And after a final chant of “harambe”, or “working together”, all present are invited to share in the Kwanzaa feast.
To hear about our new CD, please visit pulseplanet.com. Pulse of the Planet is made possible by the National Science Foundation. I’m Jim Metzner.