In years past, Gary Holland, founder and president of the non-profit organization Act-Enough, celebrated Kwanzaa faithfully but privately with his family. Fast forward to the present, Holland is enlightening the community about the week-long holiday online on Facebook Live.
Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating history, values, family, and culture, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) website.
Four years ago, Holland, who also serves as associate pastor at Zion Church of Fredericksburg, used his resources and connections to reignite the celebration of Kwanzaa for himself and others in the Fredericksburg area.
“So many people think Kwanzaa is a religious holiday, but it’s not,” Holland said. “Learning the true meaning of Kwanzaa is another reason for the Facebook Live celebration.”
This year, Act-Enough’s Facebook Live Kwanzaa celebration begins every night at 7 p.m. Each night’s speaker is afforded 20 minutes to present their point of view on their chosen principle, and the Facebook Live reconvenes the following night.
There are seven principles associated with Kwanzaa, which lasts from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1: Day 1 – Umoja (Unity), Day 2 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Day 3 – Ujima (Collective Responsibility), Day 4 – Ujamaa (Cooperation), Day 5 – Nia (Purpose), Day 6 – Kuumba (Creativity), and Day 7 – Imani (Faith).
Speakers, listed in order, include: Pastor Carl Armstrong, Stafford Board of Supervisor Monica Gary, Community Activists Gary & Janette Holland, Spotsylvania School Board Member Nicole Cole, Pastor Angela Thomas, Virginia State Delegate Joshua Cole, and Pastor Ivan Coats.
Holland said he was pleased with the opening night, as 20 people attended via Facebook Live streams on his personal and Act-Enough Facebook pages.
“The goal is to reach as many people as we can to discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa,” he said. “I think it’s great to have families gathered around the computers for the discussion.”
Zion Church of Fredericksburg Lead Pastor Angela Thomas was excited about the text message she received from Holland, offering her the opportunity to be a presenter on Day 5 this year.
“Doing something like this is right up Gary’s alley. God has really locked in on Gary as he continues to serve his purpose in the community,” she said. “This is so nice for our culture. I love the panel chosen to highlight the meaning of Kwanzaa.”
Spotsylvania School Board Member Nicole Cole shared that she originally met Holland at an NAACP event about four years ago, and the two have collaborated on events since.
Cole, who presents on Day 4, said she was ecstatic about discussing Ujamaa (cooperative economics).
“I chose Day 4 for two reasons: I’m a financial advisor by trade, and I’m running for House of Delegates next year. Focusing on the budget with the school board is an additional place I practice cooperative economics,” Cole added. “Economic prosperity allows us to thrive as a community.”
Cole emphasized that implementing Kwanzaa’s principles strengthens the African-American community as a whole.
“We will continue to bring Kwanzaa principles to the forefront of the community,” Holland said.
Other notable African American community leaders have participated in past years, including community activists Eunice Haigler and Charita Mariner, as well as Journalist Curtis Rowser and Attorney Kenya Rowser.
