cbellamy@heraldsun.com; 419-6744
DURHAM -- Kwanzaa, the holiday that celebrates African traditions, is a celebration of the harvest, or first fruits. First fruits, in the form of food and other sustenance, were part of the display for the final day of Kwanzaafest, held Friday at the downtown Durham Armory.
A table in the Armory lobby contained various fruits, decorated with African print fabrics, that visitors could take free of charge -- symbolizing the harvest. Visitors also could purchase food -- basmati rice, fish and samosas -- a fried pastry with a vegetable filling.
Vendors also displayed books, carvings, paintings, clothing, jewelry and craft items. Amatullah Abdul-karim displayed a table full of bracelets, handbags and jewelry, all of which she designed and made using various stones and materials. She also displayed some African art objects from Tanzania made of ebony wood.
The food and vendors were part of the preparations for Kwanzaafest 24, which marked the 24th year Chuck Davis and the African American Dance Ensemble have celebrated the event. Davis gave the opening greetings, and his ensemble performed as part of the afternoon's events. In an interview before the opening, Davis said "each year gets better" for the celebration, because visitors "have a wonderful experience, they talk about it" and pass it on.
While 2009 was a bad year for many people economically, Davis hopes all people in the community can come together and learn to share.
Other artists who performed were poets Mama Sadiqa, Poetic Mike and Langstone Fuze. Audiences also were introduced to percussionist Pline Mounzeo, from the Republic of Congo, who also performed.
Ken Wilson, a medical student who also plays drums, said hearing Mounzeo was a real treat for the audience.
"This is totally new for this part of the country to have a Congolese performer here," he said. Mounzeo said in brief comments before the events he has been playing all his life, and teaches and performs professionally. He plans to set up some programs in local schools, he said.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, who is a professor of African-American studies in California. Mishumaa Saba, or the seven candles, each represent a different principle of Kwanzaa, celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1. Each day, participants light a different candle and reflect on that day's principle. The principle for the final day is Imani, or faith.
