The Kwanzaa Event: We were all there; a room full at the LGBT NYC center 208 West 13th Street Celebrating Kwanzaa in the name of the Black Lesbian and Gay Community; January 1, 2012. Imani and the committee called us all back to help do it again, host with our elders, and our youth our 34th year of Kwanzaa. We were educated and entertained by a body of storytellers, spoken word artists, songsters, venders, and attendees. Known to most and introduced to a few; our focus African heritage and culture. I was reminded as a participant how I am always honored to revisit the rituals, the principles, the breaking of bread together, the songs, and the dance of life, why because it brings me home. Imani I thank you for your continued connecting and support. I am sure Imani your article published by the Huffingonpost helped to bring more attention to this event. At different points in the evening my eyes began to well up and my heart swells with pride, knowing that I am a part of the families that felt gifted to have a space and community to celebrate Kwanzaa back in the day. I also thank Dr. Maulana Karenga for the academia, Salsa Soul Sisters for the sisterhood, Gay Men of African Decent for extended family, and the many individuals for opening their homes, whom all helped us to carry on in the tradition. I too was struggling to help raise a family in the life. The only thing remised for me last week-end was our African sisters out in number with their drums drumming the evening away. Their absences helped to make clear my role, that as long as I am able, to give back that which is expected of me. I will remember to voice in the African tongue a chant, or tell an Anansi’s story, or sing a song to the legacy of Audre Lorde, or Candice Boyce to name a few who stood up, who influenced, who were responsible to cultural, and political leadership. Now that it is our turn to carry the torch we can not drop the ball.Time and care was taken to see to it that most of our folks had a way home and as usual time to leave comes too soon. Imani here’s to our ancestors, the committee and you; for another soulful serving. That is what happened January 1, 2012. Let us never give up this way of being!
Jaque Dupree's Sentiments on The Annual LGBT Kwanzaa Celebration at the LGBT Manhattan Center1/12/2012
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