December 30, 2022, Kwanzaa 2022
Jaku Konbit hosts Kwanzaa celebration: Uniting Family and Community in Ottawa
by Joy Osiagwu
Residents of Ottawa, friends, and families from various parts of Ontario and Quebec converged at the Ukrainian Banquet Hall on 1000 Byron Avenue on Friday, December 30, to celebrate Kwanzaa 2022 after a long celebration break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jaku Konbit on location for Kwanzaa 2022
The annual event organized by Jaku Konbit, a social purpose organization supporting the African Caribbean population in Ottawa, brought families and friends to the multicultural party.
A cross-section of community leaders at the venue
Indeed, the turnout aligned with the theme of the celebration for 2022: “Uniting to Strengthen Family and Community”, based on the first principle of Kwanzaa Umoja, meaning unity, which acknowledges the importance of developing and sustaining a sense of “oneness, and rightful togetherness”.
Vice President, Black Ottawa Scene, Jean-Marie Guerrier, and a section of audience
The City of Ottawa’s first-ever Black Canadian councillor, Rawlson King representing Ward 13-Rideau-Rockcliffe, known for his passion for a safe and healthy Black community was at the event. As the council liaison for Anti-racism and ethnocultural relations initiatives, Councillor King acknowledged Kwanzaa as “a time of learning, family, community and celebration”.
Councillor Rawlson King, left, and a guest at the event
He reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting feasts like Kwanzaa, which honours historical African culture, the cultural mosaic, and ancestors.
Kamengo Cultural troupe performing at the event
Counsellor King also emphasized the importance of volunteer efforts as they play vital roles in shaping non-profit organizations such as Jaku Konbit in organizing citywide events.
Ken Campbell, President of Jaku Konbit
The president of Jaku Konbit, Mr Ken Campbell, highlighted the value of Umoja, a reflection in the African Ubuntu “I AM because WE ARE.” Campbell described the message of Umoja as the heart of Jaku Konbit, which focuses on community as a bedrock of corporate success. He also added that Kwanzaa is not a religious event.
Denis Kashi, right, on the hand drum at the event
The festive and entertaining Kwanzaa featured performing artists from the African -Caribbean and Black community, such as Denis Kashi, a hand drum musician who played the djembe drum from West Africa, Desse Empire and Claudine Mitchell, also known on stage as Colaa.
Claudine Mitchell, aka Colaa on stage with her back up performers
Mitchell is an Ottawa-Gatineau-based entrepreneur, educator, and singer.
Saxophonist, Ben Joseph performing on stage
Famous Ottawa Saxophonist, Ben Joseph, a Haitian American born, thrilled the audience with his brand of entertainment.
The Feast
In the African spirit and culture, the ceremony commenced with a libation by Mansa Musa.
Mansa Musa, performing the libation for blessings from ancestors
As a feast, Kwanzaa created a promising avenue for the community to experience the diverse tastes and sounds that makeup Ottawa, the capital region of Canada.
Display of cultural artifacts at the event by Jaku Konbit
Cultural performance by Deesse Empire
Desse Empire, (Goddess Empire) entertained the audience with their brand of dance aimed at creating awareness about the richness of Caribbean dance/movement, vocal chanting, and music.
Kamengo Cultural troupe from Uganda/Rwanda
Apart from the exceptional cuisine, cultural celebrations took centre stage intermittently to keep the festival alive. Worthy of mention was the performance by the Kamengo Cultural Troupe from Uganda and Rwanda, and the Nepean Panharmonic Steelband.
The Nepean Phanharmonic Steelband on stage
The keynote remarks by Yvette Yewnde -Ashiri, a seasoned entrepreneur, and a former councillor candidate in ward 19 Orleans South-Navan focused on unity and togetherness in the community.
Yvette Yende-Ashiri, the Keynote Speaker
The master of ceremony, Renford Thomas Jr. popularly known as “Mr Bojangles” was at his best in coordinating the flow of activities on the program.
Master of Ceremonies, Renford Thomas. Jr.
Debbie Blondell-Pitt and her husband, Wendell Pitt, are committed community members. They spoke to Black Ottawa Scene about transferring knowledge of the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the people, such as Kwanzaa to the next generation through annual celebrations.
Debbie Blondell-Pitt and Wendell Pitt at the event
They also commended Jaku Konbit for its consistency in keeping the tradition alive over the years in the National capital region. The celebration also observed the candle lighting ceremony of the seven symbolic inspiring, and unifying principles of the festival.
Group photo after the candle lighting ceremony by Mishumaa Saba and Kinara Community members
Jaku Konbit implements programs that foster strength and resilience through cultural and historical engagements such as Kwanzaa.
Jaku Konbit banner on mentorship
Africans worldwide observe Kwanzaa annually for its unique principles (Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani). The seven principles are observed sequentially for the days following Christmas Day into January 1 of the new year.
Elders in the community performing the candle lighting ceremony
Kwanza was created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, as an African American and Pan-African holidays to celebrate history, family, community, value, and culture. The name Kwanzaa is from the phrase- “matunda ya kwanza” which means first fruits in Swahili.
Councillor Rawlson King, middle, flanked by other guests
Cross-section of audience at the event
Click on the links below to watch the celebration in Ottawa, captured and produced by Black Ottawa Scene.
https://youtu.be/gheWyz0ZOQo https://youtu.be/6MxvaQ-zjEE
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Joy Osiagwu is a Project Officer with Black History Ottawa. She has over two decades of experience as a broadcast journalist in Nigeria and North America. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Cumbria in the United Kingdom, plus a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Performing Arts from the Columbia Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia.