Heres an important meditation on Kwanzaa by a black Mormon, Tekulvē Vann. A Celebration of Faith and Culture: A Latter-day Saint Perspective on Kwanzaa I was relatively new to the mission field when my first Christmas box arrived. Packed among the usual missionary favorites were seven gifts that I knew were not to be opened on Christmas Day. Each of the gifts were numbered, and I was more than certain that my sister had been in charge of deciding which gift was to be opened on which day. My missionary companion was confused about the additional gifts that my mother had been sure not to wrap with traditional Christmas wrapping paper. As I explained to him that they were Kwanzaa gifts, he innocently asked about my “Black Christmas” celebration. I had never given Kwanzaa much thought growing up because it was just a part of what happened each year. The local University would host a community-wide Kwanzaa celebration, and we would make plans to attend each year. Here I was, a 19 year old charged with teaching the fullness of the everlasting gospel, but I was at a loss as to how to explain this part of my culture and how it enhanced my faith. When the next Christmas arrived, I was prepared. My family included Kwanzaa gifts for my companion, and each night we discussed each of the seven principles, the Nguzu Saba. It was at that time that I first began to understand that my LDS faith did not conflict with my cultural heritage, but it actually enhances my culture just as my culture enhances my faith. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Works & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). As I reflect on the covenants I made at baptism, upon receiving the Priesthood, and in the temple, each of those principles is consistent with the restored gospel and the promises I have made with Heavenly Father. We are commanded to have unity in our homes. The Lord declared, “If ye are not one, ye are not mine.” The Second Article of Faith teaches us that we are responsible for determining our spiritual destinies because “men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam’s transgressions.” Our early pioneer ancestors choose the beehive as the great symbol of Deseret to remind us to work together as the honeybees do so that by our collective works and sense of responsibility to those around us, we may achieve Zion. Each month, as we pay a generous fast offering and as we are honest in the payment of tithes, we are being true to the idea of cooperative economics. Early in the Book of Mormon, the Lord reveals our purpose in this life. It is written, “Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they may have joy.” As are we obedient to the counsel of the Brethren to prepare for the future, we must embrace the spirit of Kuumba and get creative in our efforts. It goes without saying that faith is a principle espoused by the restored gospel. From my days as a missionary until now, Kwanzaa has represented an opportunity for me to reflect on my cultural heritage and recommit to my spiritual roots. In the spirit of the Apostle Paul, Kwanzaa represents everything that is virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy” about the African American culture.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:33:13 +0000
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