Their voices booming with pride and strength, seven Aurora University students stepped up one by one Thursday as representatives of the seven principles celebrated in the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa.
Traditionally, each individual principle would be the focus of one day during the weeklong celebration held Dec. 26-Jan. 1. But because the university will be on semester break then, the Black Student Association chose to offer an abbreviated version to serve as an educational and celebrational event to the audience of more than 50 people in the school’s Dunham Hall atrium.
A candle was lit as each of the principles–unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith–was announced and sung in the African language of Kiswahili.
Each student then explained his or principle, paying homage to the past and present African-American spirit and encouraging future cooperation and contributions.
“This celebration is a good manifestation of the African-American culture, ” said Ed Eddy, the university’s director of diversity.
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“It’s something that gives (students) a positive way to relate to the holidays and not get caught up in the commercialism of them.”
Angela Silas, the association’s president, said she wanted “to show something that would reveal our culture” and pride to other students and also to introduce the holiday to those African-Americans unfamiliar with its celebration.
One such student was senior Lemont Simmons.
“It brought the concept of unity much closer,” said Simmons, who hadn’t previously celebrated the holiday.
PHOTOS: Leval Evans (above, right) and six other Aurora University students lead the Kwanzaa celebration there Thursday. Teyona James (below) blows out the candles representing the holiday’s seven principles. Tribune photos by John Kringas. (DuPage Sports Final edition, Metro DuPage section, Page 3.)