Kwanzaa: A Frosty Mug of Haterade

While perusing the "Mahogany" aisle of my local Hallmark shop for cards for my friends and neighbors in the trailer court, the Kwanzaa cards got me to thinking. I knew a little about the origins, but I have to know everything about things that entice me. On to the show...

From Wikipedia, THE source for all of my Leftwing research, Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday from December 26 to January 1 honoring African-American heritage. Founded in 1966 by Ron Everett (Karenga), (his Mama called him "Clay", I'm gonna call him "Clay"), as an "oppositional alternative to the spookism, mysticism and non-earth based practices which plague us as a people".

The name "Kwanzaa" is from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza' which means "first fruits". The additional 'a' was added to give the word seven letters to signify the Seven Principles of Blackness. Yes, I said 'blackness'.

The Seven Principles parallel nicely with the ideals contained in pretty much all of the collectivist ideologies that have plagued this planet. The concept is just so puzzling to me that every time someone decides to attempt to elevate their culture or people, they ignore history. Not only does Kwanzaa embrace the failed policies and ideals of Socialism, it is also blatantly racist.

The Seven Principles are: Ujoma (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Whew, boy! Collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, and unity all send shivers down my spine. I'm guessing that this is in line with Communism, but I am not sure from what little is published about Kwanzaa that are not glowing responses.

Anyway, Ron (Karenga) was co-founder of United Slaves Organization, the uberviolent counterpart to the marginally violent Black Panthers. Ron also espoused and followed the Path of Blackness which states, "think black, talk black, act black, create black, buy black, vote black, and live black". While that sounds like a good idea, the problems began for our hero when he started torturing members of the United Slaves and allowing contract killings of Panthers.

On September 17, 1971, Karenga was sentenced to one to ten years in prison on counts of felonious assault and false imprisonment. The charges stemmed from a May 9, 1970 incident in which Karenga and two others tortured two women who Karenga believed had tried to kill him by placing ‘crystals’ in his food and water. (The Dartmouth Review, The Story of Kwaanza, By J. Lawrence Scholer, Monday, January 15, 2001)

When Ron went to trial, his sanity came into question. Reports state that Ron talked to his blanket and thought that he had been attacked by dive bombers. In lay-man's terms, he was a nut. Eight years after his trial, California State University at Long Beach offered him the position of head of its Black Studies Department. Yea, that sounds about right.

Anyhoo, I think that a group that promotes hatred toward any other group is racist, bigoted, small-minded, and evil. Since Ron promoted hatred toward Christians, Jews, whites, and Asians, I would venture to guess that he was all of the above. Sure, you should understand your heritage and make strides to elevate your race, but you don't get there by attacking others. And you certainly don't get there by following the tenets of Socialism.

And does anyone find it odd that a group of panthers is a "klan"?