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20th century Pan African movement of the great Jamaican American leader Marcus Mosiah Garvey. He quoted of Mother Africa, "Black for the people; red for the blood they shed; green for the land." Karenga modified the application of the colors in Kwanzaa to represent black for the people, red for the struggle and green for the future that would result from the struggle. The black Unity candle is lit first, then a sequence to red then green proceeds, lighting one candle each day of Kwanzaa for each of the seven principles. As the design and focus of Kwanzaa is certainly for and on black people, the principles of Kwanzaa hold universal truths and value of life enhancement for all people and all cultures. "When we incorporate those seven principles of Kwanzaa into our lives, it enriches our lives; and you can build your life on those principles. It doesn't matter what religion you are, what color or ethnicity or gender or philosophy. The principles guide you to do what it takes in working to make yourself a better person and in how to work in unison with other people for the good," Hodges said. Cherished and widely enjoyed traditions of Kwanzaa include the Kwanzaa feast (karamu), held on the sixth day as "a pot-luck" of healthy, delicious contributions from the community. The singing in unison of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the black national anthem which gives praise for triumph over tragedy and great adversity in America, is a daily Kwanzaa tradition. The pantomime of the audience in unison pulling a fist full of mighty rope down seven times chanting "harambee" ("let us pull together") is another daily tradition. The giving of zawadi (gifts) is the rewarding of meaningful, sometimes hand-crafted gifts during Kwanzaa to children who have kept their Left: Homeland Village Bookstore owner Kirklyn Abijah Hodges. Top: Vinson Muhammad leads a Kwanzaa ceremony at Midtowne Vision Center with Mattie Lovett, center, and Talibah Muhammad. Bottom left: A Unity Day drum circle on the Douglass Theatre stage. Bottom right: Salhaa Fitz plays the dun dun onstage at the Douglass. commitments for self-improvement during the year. Their promises kept are the fruit of seeds sown from the previous year, that result in new growth and positive development. In Macon's Kwanzaa celebration, the youth on the second night celebrate Youth Night of Self-Determination. It is a time for them to showcase their talents onstage and they run the entire program of Kwanzaa as the leaders. "Kwanzaa means family. That's what I'm used to growing up with, family. I get to see people I love who I may not have seen all year, but for sure at Kwanzaa time. Kwanzaa is important because the seven days teach you hard work, unity, community and to be closer to your family," said 25-year-old Queen Semaj. "I remember that it was Youth Night that built my confidence so much. Though I'm very scared onstage, I remember rapping onstage and I learned confidence in myself. Kwanzaa teaches you so many things. Kwanzaa is about learning new things about your own history and what's going on in the world." DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 87