December 31, 2010 - South Dallas Cultural Center - The stage was set for a bountiful presentation on the 6th day of Kwanzaa, Kuumba which means “creativity.” According to Dr. Maulana Karenga, “Kuumba calls on us to do always as much as we can in the way we can in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.”
Initiating the evening was a percussive entrance of drumming, followed by the pouring of libation by Sis. Fagbenro, to our ancestors, paying rightful homage to all who set the path’s for future generations. From the Ivory Coast, to the Middle Passage and the “horrendous” institution of slavery, as well as the extended African-American family community and our fallen leaders, Lumumba, El Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) and Martin Luther King, Jr. “Bring is all the things we need to love a good Life! Ashe!”
Following a brief welcome by Center Director, Vicki Meek, and the Acts of Change Youths took the stage and provided a rhythmic and informative lesson including the history and meaning of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba and each of its seen principals and what each item used each night of Kwanzaa symbolizes. The enthusiastic lesson also contained the ceremonious lighting of the Kinara.
“Only through our struggles do we have progress!”
To further explain Kwanzaa and its meaning, the South Dallas Cultural Center Youths, presented a very thorough reading, “The Kuumba Connection”. Afterward, Performing Arts Coordinator, Harold Steward, proudly introduced films created for and by students at the SDCC. The presentation of work ranged from historical documentaries to documenting the educational experiences that occurred over the past year at the SDCC.
The final film show was a very compelling documentary highlighting the talent and connection of an artist Val-Inc, entitled “Sound Rite” directed by Ja’tovia Gary. This very talented young woman demonstrates her talent as an Afro-electronica musician/percussionist as well as her feelings on the devastating earthquake in Haiti and the misconceptions behind her homeland.
Finalizing this celebration of the creative spirit were two remarkable young quilting student artists, Morgan Jackson and Crislyn Fayson. Using their imagination and age old process of quilting, these two artists communicated their feelings about themselves, their community and their country. The quilt is a great symbol of pride and respect that the young people who participated have in themselves and in their community. It is the ultimate wish that the quilt will find its way to the First Family in Washington, DC.
The evening ended with food, fellowship, Zawadi exchange and the hopefullness for leaving behind 2010 better than that which we inherited it and visualizing an even more productive and creative community in 2011.
