Newsletter

Kwanzaa with BLSU!

By Eva Jo McIlraith

December 10, 2025

On Wednesday, December 3rd, the Events Barn came alive with color as the Black and Latine Student Union (BLSU) hosted a dynamic Kwanzaa celebration. Students gathered to explore the meaning behind the African American and Pan-African holiday observed annually from December 26 to January 1. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa continues to inspire people of all backgrounds, and BLSU’s event sets the perfect tone for learning, connection, and celebration. Organizers honored its roots in family, resilience, and cultural pride with a beautiful event of education and celebration. 

Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Piggy Pat’s, a local Southern BBQ favorite that added warmth and comfort to the evening. Over dinner, President Ja’riah Lammons ‘28 and Treasurer Angel Sonnier ‘27 welcomed attendees with the Black National Anthem and introduced the BLSU board. The two illustrated the practice of Libation, the honoring of your ancestors that laid the foundation for your future. The presenters then examined Ashe, or the power to make things happen and produce change conceptualized by the Yoruba of Nigeria. 

BLSU’s Vice President Nat St. Helen ‘27 and Sonnier then introduced the “first fruits” of Kwanzaa: gathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment, and celebration. The deep dive into the holiday’s origins helped students understand the holiday’s agricultural roots and its focus on gratitude and community renewal. The board also explored the seven symbols of Kwanzaa, including Mazao (crops), Mkeka (mat), Kinara (candleholder), Muhindi (corn), Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles), and Zawadi (gifts), each representing a unique aspect of cultural pride and unity.

To dive even deeper, Secretary Bri Martin ‘28 led the room in reciting the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Students echoed each principle, including Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith), highlighting the values that continue to inspire communities across generations. The Kinara, or the Candleholder, was lit by Martin, as St Helen explained to attendees the meaning and history behind it. The moment created a shared sense of reflection and empowerment, underscoring how these principles remain relevant in contemporary student life.

The celebration closed with enthusiastic conversation, connection, and appreciation for the traditions shared. BLSU’s Kwanzaa event not only educated attendees about the history and meaning of the holiday but also created a space of inclusivity and joy, reminding everyone of the power of community, culture, and collective uplift.