BSA members Angel
Ingram, Takeshia Williams, Danielle Ruffin and Shay Fields.
served up a feast of traditional African-American
foods, including black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and
cornbread. Lauren Mendes photo |
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Kwanzaa 2005
Black Student Alliance
Promotes Cultural Celebration
December 5, 2005
Story by Jake Weber; photos by
BSA members Lauren Mendes and Danielle Ruffin
Kwanzaa, an end-of-year celebration of
African-American culture, has become an eagerly-awaited celebration
on Albion's campus, and this year was no different. Students,
faculty, staff and community members packed the Kellogg Center's
Gerstacker Commons, for an introduction to Kwanzaa, entertainment
provided by Black Student Alliance (BSA) members, and, of course, a
feast featuring traditional African-American cuisine.
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Alaiyah Spence
enjoyed her first Kwanzaa dinner with friend Richard Craig,
interim director of Intercultural Affairs. Danielle
Ruffin photo
BSA
members Bobbie Cole (left) and Tene Robinson (right) with
ethnic studies professor Diane Ariza, who was chosen by BSA
for the Honoring the Elders ritual. Ariza previously
served for several years as the College's Intercultural
Affairs director. Lauren Mendes photo
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"Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious holiday, so
it's open to everyone to enjoy and participate," said sophomore
Danielle Ruffin, BSA president, in her opening remarks. "Kwanzaa is
particularly special to BSA because it's a true culmination of
efforts between the BSA and the Albion ommunity, The food for
Kwanzaa this year was prepared and provided by various community
members who have been active with BSA since long before any of the
current students arrived. We use Kwanzaa as a time to reconvene and
celebrate the season together."
Tim Kurtz, pastor of Albion's John 3:16 Ministries, performed the
Pouring of the Libations, a ritual inspired by a Biblical passage in
which a thirsty King David sacrifices water to God in honor of the
men who risked their lives to obtain it, Pouring of the Libations
commemorates local and national African-American leaders who have
made significant contributions to community and humanity.
"Kwanzaa" means "first fruits" in Swahili, and the Kwanzaa
table reflects the gifts of Kwanzaa.
Lauren Mendes photo
Pausing
for grace. Danielle Ruffin photo
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