Page 12 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-18

Feature
African History Professor Is Guest At Sulphur Springs Museum — Her Subject ....Kwanzaa
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
Observers of Kwanzaa are familiar with its history, symbols, and the seven prin- ciples that makeup the core of the cultural holiday founded in 1966 by Califor- nia State University profes- sor, Maulana Karenga.
But its roots can be traced back some 50 years earlier, said Tameka Hobbs, pro- fessor of African-American Studies at Valdosta State University in Georgia.
On Sunday, Professor Hobbs presented a thor- ough breakdown of the his- tory of the holiday in a presentation as part of a lec- ture series hosted by the Sul- phur Springs Museum.
Celebrated from Decem- ber 26 to January 1, each day of Kwanzaa upholds the seven principles – also known as Nguzo Saba – of unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativ- ity, and faith.
“These principles are similar to the philosophies
Staff members of the Museum are shown with the guest: Norma Robinson, Director; Thomas Bald- win, Maintenance; Pro. Tameka Hobbs; Phyllis Green (Museum Advisory Board); Prof. Elizabeth Bird, USF (Museum Board Member); Joseph Robinson, President; Dorothy Bryant (volunteer), and Andrew Banish (volunteer).
encing civil rights unrest and rioting. Looking for a way to spark pride among Blacks, Karenga created Kwanzaa – which borrowed from Garvey’s Pan-African phi- losophy, Professor Hobbs said.
“It’s about African-Amer- ican people trying to grab hold, trying to learn about their African-American her- itage,” she said.
Kwanzaa is not a reli- gious holiday. And while some argue that it’s “made- up”, that’s ok, Professor Hobbs said.
“What holiday do we have that wasn’t made-up,?” she asked.
With its focus on self-love and pride in Black culture, Kwanzaa is a holiday that Blacks in the Western hemi- sphere should celebrate, Professor Hobbs said.
“Kwanzaa is an example of...how we love ourselves despite what had been done to us on these shores,” she said. “I firmly believe we have more possibilities than ever and we are as capable as ever.”
that Black Nationalist, Mar- cus Garvey founded his Universal Negro Improve- ment Association,” Profes- sor Hobbs said.
Garvey – who was influ-
enced by Booker T. Wash- ington – sought to unite people of African descent throughout the world and promote self-sufficiency and economic development
through his organization, which he brought with him in 1916 when he moved to the United States.
Fast forward to the 1960s. The country is experi-
Temple Terrace Man Killed In
Traffic Accident
Police are currently investigating a traffic accident that left a man dead. The accident took place early Saturday.
According to the Temple Terrace Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of E. Fowler Avenue and Hoyt Av- enue, shortly after 6:30 a.m.
They discovered that 46-year-old Charles Edward Kinsey had been struck by a vehicle. Kinsey died at the scene.
Police did not release any additional information about the accident. The investigation is continuing.
PAGE 12 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018