On Sunday I attended the first Kwanzaa Celebration at the Zanker African American History House at the San Jose History Park. The celebration included a first floor tour of Zanker House, which is believed to be a house of a Buffalo Soldier (an African American soldier during the Civil War period).
In the first room of the tour a table was set up with items representing Kwanzaa, a non-religious African American holiday celebrated over 7 days which help children learn about seven principles: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economy, purpose, creativity and faith.
Kwanzaa celebrations include gathering corn, fruit, books (representing education) and lighting the seven candles representing the seven principles (one on each day).
Ellen Rollins served as the main tour guide and I learned much about about Kwanzaa and post Civil War African American History (including those in California) in less than an hour. It was a great experience and I had to photograph her in front of the Kwanzaa table.
At one p.m. the Kwanzaa inspired parade started. Many of the groups were filled with young children dancing in colorful outfits.
One young boy had the honor of carrying the Kwanzaa candle holder, which he did with a solemn expression. Behind him were children carrying the principles. I don’t know if they were able to indicate which ones they wanted to carry, so I don’t know if this was cooincidental, how focussed and determined the young girl looks who was carrying the self determination place card.
The mime group stopped to perform along the street.
The parade ended with Santa Claus and two of his elves being escorted to the Children’s Area where they would hear last minute Christmas requests.
by Danielle Stolman
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