The Pan-African studies department will host a pre-Kwanzaa celebration open to the Kent community.

“This is an opportunity to affirm ourselves,” said Asantewa Sunni-Ali, director of the Center of Pan-African Culture. “We’re generating positivity to the world.”

The celebration includes the lighting of the candles, which represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa and after that a “creative expressions” ceremony. The ceremony will allow anyone with special talents to express themselves.

“It’s created for people to ground themselves in tradition,” Sunni-Ali said.

For as long as the Pan-African studies department has been active, they’ve hosted pre-Kwanzaa celebrations. 

Cinnamon Small, outreach program officer of the Department of Pan-African studies, thinks the celebration provides a good opportunity for anyone who wants to be introduced to “culturally relevant education.”

“It’s a way to enforce the fact that this information is not being taught in the regular classroom,” she said.

After the creative expression’s segment, guests can stay for “Karamu,” which means feast. 

The celebration will take place on Dec. 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Oscar Ritchie, room 250. 

Sunni-Ali says Kwanzaa “restores unification to communities and families,” and she hopes the community will turn out to the event.

“Kwanzaa is a time for everyone,” she said. “It’s important to take time to understand these principles.”

Tierra Thomas is the African-American student life reporter. Contact her at [email protected].