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For some people, playing a drum is pounding out a beat. For Stamford resident Henry Jones, its far more encompassing.
African drumming in general is a cultural practice that lives in a community. Its not just an entertainment factor, said Jones, who founded Infinite Roots, a drum and dance ensemble, in 1998. The group was part of the 16th Annual Mayors Kwanzaa Celebration at the Government Center Wednesday afternoon.
Any event that brings people together under the auspices of understanding one another is important, Jones said. Thats what drumming is. The drum is about communication.
I try to teach every time we do this, said Josephine Fulcher-Anderson, who coordinated the event. She explained elements of the African-American holiday to the crowd, from the symbolism of items such as a mat, harvest crops and unity cup, to the seven guiding principles. Wednesdays emphasis was ujamaa, or collective economics. Today, Thursday, Dec. 30, its nia, or purpose.
Fulcher-Anderson is co-founder of the Stamford Kwanzaa Association. The organization was established 11 years ago to offer Stamford residents a forum to celebrate and learn about Kwanzaa, held Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa is about coming together. Its not just for African Americans. Its for everyone, said Fulcher-Anderson, who selected a diverse group of program contributors. In addition to Jones and his group, they included local individuals, city government personnel, an African dance troupe and 14-year-old violinist Richard Cruz, Fulcher-Andersons godson.
Local resident Kim Overton was attending her second Kwanzaa event this week. The snow storm prevented her from purchasing Kwanzaa candles as shed planned, but she was glad to learn more about the holiday during the public event, she said.
I came out today because I thought the principle was really important, Overton said. It was a beautiful celebration.
Nia (purpose) will be the focus of the public Kwanzaa celebration at the Chester Addison Community Center, 245 Selleck St., Stamford, today, Thursday, Dec. 30, at 6 p.m. Do you plan to attend the family event? How are you celebrating Kwanzaa? How are you applying the principles in your daily life?
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