VOLUME 1  ISSUE 1  DECEMBER, 2005

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KWANZAA AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH

Edited By: Baba Kwasi Charles Harris

The seven principles of Kwanzaa define basic attributes that one must have in order to achieve a better way of life.  These principles are found in the History of the AFRICAN-American church.  I had the opportunity to tour the First African Baptist church in April, 1999.  Within walking distance from the Atlantic Ocean, the church served as a hiding place for run away slaves during the days of the Underground Railroad.

UMOJA (Unity) Free and enslaved men and women worked together to build the First Colored Baptist Church and in demonstration of their KUJICHAGULIA (self-determination) took the bold step to identify faith in their heritage by later renaming the church to the First African Baptist Church.  Many Black churches prior to the 20^th century used the word Africa as part of their church name. 

UJIMA (collective work and responsibility) and UJAMAA (cooperative economics) One of the original pews First African Baptist Church had the signature carving of a slave who was Muslim, indicating the willingness to work together regardless of religious beliefs.

Churches like the Michigan Street Baptist Church, established 1845 in Buffalo, N.Y. helped to pay for items for runaway slaves by collecting money from the community members while some women made and sold quilts to assist in the secret boarding of the slaves.  

It took KUUMBA (creativity) for members to come up with spiritual music and songs of survival that were cryptic to the slave owners, like “Run to Jesus, shun the danger, I don’t expect to stay much longer here” and "Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus."

It goes without saying that these Africans in America had a NIA (purpose) for transforming a religion that slave owners sanctioned as a way of making their slaves more obedient and humble into a method for achieving freedom and a better life.

STANDING FIRM IN THE FACE OF TERROR

Under the Fugitive Slave Act, which was passed in 1850, the church was taking a dangerous risk if the government discovered their role in helping slaves who were given food, clothing and secret places to hide.  This took a great deal of IMANI (faith) in God, faith in themselves and faith in those who were sympathetic and supportive to their desire to be free.

Without a doubt, these Africans in America did more than get involved with a one week out of a year ritual.  They were committed to the principles of Kwanzaa every day of their lives as a way of life.  Our ancestors did not see a separation of church and the state of affairs that governed their lives.  The church (or at least some of them) were trailblazers of change using the principles of Kwanzaa as a tool towards liberation.  Give me that old time religion.

Bible: Psalms Chapter 23 and Chapter 91
Metu Neter: Chapter’s 8,9,10,17
Power to Create the Future, by Eric Mitchell

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou has forgotten the Law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.  HOSEA 4:6

Knowledge is power only when directed to an end goal.