City hall
By Ken Campbell
The City of Ottawa’s official 2016 Kwanzaa Celebration took place on Sunday, December 18th at 2 p.m. The event was once again presented at City Hall, in the atrium.
As the much-appreciated volunteers were setting up the decor, vending booths and the mainstage, the bright, airy mood was accented by impromptu piano playing in the foreground.
Over the hills and valleys of snow, guests began trickling onto the scene, slow and deliberate as molasses. They mingled around, and indulged in snacks, activities, and crafts for the youth before the event came to an official start. Jaku Konbit’s Vice President Shynise Parchment gave the opening remarks, followed by Jaku Konbit President Ken Campbell performing libation. The conch was then blown and the evening began to unfold.
Performances in prose, song and dance all transpired under the umbrella of Kwanzaa’s warm embrace, to name a few: DJ Seizmik, the Afro-Caribbean Drummers, Patrick Blanc, Esans Kreyol Dancers, Maya Bassude, Imelda Bassude, Kim Lovell, and many more.
Notable mentions include Michelle J Penny, who bridged the gap by bringing in her Indigenous Canadian cultural flair by her song performed in collaboration with the children, followed by some imparting words. Seven empowered trailblazing children from Jaku Konbit’s ‘Greatness Is Within Me’ then each presented and lit one of the seven candles for Nguzo Saba; the seven steadfast Kwanzaa principles:
- Umoja (unity)
- Kujichagulia (self-determination)
- Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
- Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
- Nia (purpose)
- Kuumba (creativity)
- Imani (faith)
Dinner was then served, along with the last few closing acts of the night. A closing word was given, opening up the dance floor and hoping that guests would take that wisdom and wrap it warm around themselves carefully as they made their way out into the cold night air.
About the writer
Ken Campbell is President of Jaku Konbit.
