Kwanzaa Karumu Dinner
The Kwanzaa holiday culminates with the Karamu feast on December 31. Kwanzaa creator Ron Karenga intends for the feast to bring together African American families, elders and other distinguished guests on the 6th day of the seven day Kwanzaa celebration, and Karenga outlined a model that the ideal Karamu should follow.1. Kukribisha (Welcoming): All parties gather for introductory remarks and recognition of all elders in the African American family and community present at the celebration, as well as other distinguished guests at the Karamu.2. Kuumba (Remembering): Everyone reflects on the history not just of the family and friends in the African American community, but on the history of the African American culture and the generations of African culture that preceded their arrival in America. This is best done aloud as a formal group, exchanging ideas and reflections as a whole.3. Kuchunguza Tena na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment): From here everyone takes stock of where they are in the present and their role in furthering the heritage of Africans in American culture. In taking stock of the present, everyone looks within themselves to see how they can commit to furthering their role in African American culture during the future and beyond.4. Kushangilia (Rejoicing): It is here that the Kikombe cha Umoja (Cup of unity) comes out in a ceremony of libation. The cup can be filled with any liquid but Karenga suggests using water, as other liquids such as alcohol may discourage participation from younger celebrants.A Tamshi la Tambiko (libation statement) is made before participants drink from the ceremonial chalice and pass it around the group so that everyone can take part in the libation. This is done in rememberance of everyone's ancestors. Though any statement can be composed and used for the ceremony, Karenga composed an ideal Libation Statement for use:"For The Motherland, the cradle of civilization.For the ancestors, and their indomitable spiritFor the elders, from whom we can learn much.For our youth, who represent the promise for tomorrow.For our people, the original people.For our struggle, and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.For the creator who provides all things great and small."Following the libation, a musical celebration of drums and cultural performance can commence along with the feast.5. Tamshi la Tutaonana (The Farewell Statement): Once the feast and performances have concluded, Karamu concludes with an Umoja, a statement of farewell that calls for unity among the African American community. This statement can be formal and pre-composed or an off the cuff statement from the heart by the leader of the celebration, as well as well wishes from participants as they depart the celebration.Families are always free to deviate from Karenga's celebration model and craft their Karamu to fit their family's identity, so long as the family's Karamu centers upon honoring their African heritage and shows a renewed commitment to representing the African American community and its ancestors through their life in the coming year.
