St. Mark UMC celebrates Kwanzaa

St. Mark United Methodist Church held its annual Kwanzaa celebration and it was standing-room only. The celebration included an African dance selection by members of Crystal’s World of Dance, a poetry reading, kinara lighting and youth reciting the Kwanzaa pledge. Dr. Kristopher Childs, the keynote speaker, delivered a powerful message. The former Mathematics professor and highly sought after keynote speaker specializes in education thought leadership.

The event was captured and showcased on FOX 13 News!

“It's so important to have this event in Lakeland to continue to bring about unity in the community. We want to encourage others to fulfill the main principles of Kwanzaa, which include being creative, living with purpose and faith, and supporting Black-owned businesses," said Yvonne McShay, a former English Professor who is also a long-time member of the church and the coordinator of the event. “There's so much discussion around what the youth are not doing and we hope this will help them become more focused and live a purpose-filled life."  

Every year, St. Mark UMC hosts a Kwanzaa celebration. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture. It is held every year from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1. It was created by Africana Studies Professor Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. The holiday is centered around seven principles, which are named in Swahili, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. 

Each day represents a different principle. Families light a candle on the kinara and focus on a different principle each day. On the sixth night, Dec. 31, there is typically a communal feast, called Karamu. 

The seven principles (in order)  include Umoja, which means unity, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).