Kwanzaa Festival At Kean University Brings Cultural Awareness to Campus

In keeping with Kean University’s tradition of increasing awareness and appreciation for diverse cultures, the Office of Africana Studies hosted their annual Pre-Kwanzaa Festival on Tuesday, December 19. James Conyers, Ph.D., director of Kean’s Africana Studies program, began the celebration by sharing the meaning of Kwanzaa––a Kiswahili word translated to “first fruits of the harvest.”

Believing that an understanding of the principles, camaraderie and history of Kwanzaa is crucial to people within and beyond the African American community, Conyers went on to describe in detail the symbolic meaning of each of the seven days of Kwanzaa. 

“These principles stand for education, for inner attainment, and all of them are important,” said Conyers. “The community cannot have faith without unity and consciousness, no community can. The understanding of our cultural differences and our similarities allow for us to appreciate the cultures of other people.”

Students and professional performers shared musical pieces and poetry at the event. A live band headed by local artist Baga Ngoma performed throughout the celebration. Students, faculty, staff and guests enjoyed refreshments, including traditional African dishes. One participant, Kean alumni Charles Curtis III, expressed his support for the celebration’s efforts to enrich inclusiveness at Kean.  

“I believe that when you have a university that is multicultural it is also multidimensional,” said Curtis. “It allows us to cover each other and grow in a space where we can maximize our potential.” 

For more information about Africana Studies at Kean, email africanastudies@kean.edu.