IWU News

Kwame Steve Cobb and Chavunduka

Illinois Wesleyan University Celebrates Kwanza

December 3, 2004

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.—Illinois Wesleyan’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Black Student Union, and Sisters Actively Visualizing Vitality through Intellect (SAVVI) will celebrate Kwanzaa on Dec. 8 at 7-9 p.m. in the Main Lounge of Memorial Center, 104 E. University St., Bloomington.

Traditional Kwanzaa food will be served during the celebration, which will feature storytelling and dance. The event is free and open to the public.

Based on African traditions, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and executive director of the African American Cultural Center. The term Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “fresh fruits” in Swahili, which is a pan-African language and the most spoken one in Africa.

Karenga envisioned Kwanzaa, which is not a religious celebration, as a chance for people to reflect at the end of the year while looking forward to the next year. In addition, the celebration serves to build community, enrich African-American consciousness, and reaffirm the value of central grounding for life and struggle. The seven principles, Nguzo Saba, are: “Umoja” (Unity), “Kujichagulia” (Self-Determination), “Ujima” (Collective Work and Responsibility), “Ujamaa” (Cooperative Economics), “Nia” (Purpose), “Kuumba” (Creativity), and “Imani” (Faith).

Nationally, Kwanzaa takes place from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1; however, Illinois Wesleyan will celebrate the holiday early because students and faculty will be on winter break during this time.

IWU’s celebration will feature performers Kwame Steve Cobb and Chavunduka. Joined by a cast of dancers, actors, and musicians, the husband and wife team, are the founders of Cobbala Productions, Inc., an organization dedicated to enacting positive change by enriching the lives of young people. Together Kwame and Chavunduka work closely with youth in their Cultural Intervention program, Nsoroma Afterschool Arts Academy and their non-profit organization, Youth Bridge.

The pair, who have shared the stage with well known recording artists such as Lou Rawls, Ramsey Lewis, Stanley, Turrentine, Anita Baker, Roy Ayers, and Peabo Bryson will perform songs from their highly acclaimed Seven Principles recording as well as demonstrate Kwanzaa ritual and candle lighting. The Seven Principles CD is dedicated solely to the celebration of Kwanzaa and has been featured in the Disney Channel’s animated cartoon, The Proud Family, and on several television specials including The First Annual Kwanzaa Awards and The Story of Kwanzaa.

For additional information, please contact IWU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs at (309) 556-3412.