Queensborough’s Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) along with QCC Dance Students hosted the third annual Kwanzaa Celebration. Led by Professor Kevin McIntosh-McEwen in the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Dance, the celebration featured performances by students from Queensborough’s dance program, dance students from Cardozo High School, and musicians playing African drums.
Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1, but the BFSA said it wanted to create an opportunity to share this celebration with the Queensborough community before the end of the semester.
“Kwanzaa is an important holiday to the Black/African American community,” said Reynald Pierre-Charles. “For many students, faculty, and staff of Queensborough, this annual celebration is an opportunity for us to be and feel seen, with our culture on full display.”
Since its founding in 1966, Kwanzaa has been an annual week-long celebration of African American and Pan-African culture and heritage observed by millions throughout the African diaspora. During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) to reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture. The Seven Principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).