By Gabrielle Pollock and Katherine Monsef

Opinion Editor and Graphics Designer

On Dec. 7, LGHS welcomed all students to an eye opening presentation on Kwanzaa in the theater during tutorial. Venus Jones, a speaker, poet, singer, and Kwanzaa app creator, spoke about her attachment to the holiday and how it has shaped her life.

First, Venus clarified that Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture that lasts from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Represented by the Pan-American flag, also known as the Bendera, the three main colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the African American community, red represents the bloodshed and struggles of their ancestors, and green represents the fertile land of Africa.

One main aspect of Kwanzaa are its seven principles, one for each day of the celebration. Each principle is also represented by various proverbs that capture its essence. The first day is unity, which can be represented by the proverb “it takes an entire village to raise a child.” The second day is self–determination, represented by the proverb “all that is written in the heart is written in the face.” The third day is collective work and responsibility, with the proverb “many hands make light work.” The fourth day is cooperative economics, meaning “water that has not been begged for does not quench the thirst.” The fifth day is purpose, represented by “the frog does not run in the day time for nothing.” The sixth day is creativity, meaning “ to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” Finally, the seventh day is faith, showing that “after hardship comes relief.”

Kwanzaa is a holiday that is often passed over or forgotten about in the midst of American society. Venus Jones captured the essence of what it means to be a part of the holiday. Kwanzaa goes farther than days full of gifts and music; it is a special holiday that links together individuals and their ancestors around the world.