Kwanzaa with Crystal Mark

Crystal Mark is an Equity Educator, Writer, Consultant. She joined the university in 2019 as the Education, Awareness and Outreach Consultant in the Office of the Vice President, Equity and Community Inclusion.

How do you describe Kwanzaa to those who aren't familiar with this cultural holiday? 

Kwanzaa is the observance of Black flourishing and community values using Swahili principles such as Umoja (unity), Ujima (collective work and responsibility and cooperative economics), Imani (Faith) and Kujichagalia (the right to self-determination). It is a reflective time to teach our kin how to be in the world and how to embody the politics of Sankofa (which literally means go back and fetch it, a directive that means take others forward with you in your success. Leave no one behind). There are 7 principles in total. Our family observes all 7 over the course of four days. 

How do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Have you always celebrated it?

We began celebrating Kwanzaa in 1995 when we became a couple and our first child, Sable, now 25 and a Toronto Metropolitan University student, was on her way. We felt that the days following Christmas needed greater reflection and though this custom was African American in its creation, it was pan-African and pro-Black lives matter and this was what drew us. It was a way to sustain ourselves in the respite of the end of the year, build ourselves up for the new year coming. 

What does this holiday mean to you?

This holiday is a time for Black flourishing and celebration. Blackness is not often revered in our society, but to be Black is to have a thriving magic that has sustained you through many hardships and we are a proud, diverse people. This holiday allows us to come together and recognize that through simple dinners, small gifts, lighting of candles and time together. 

What’s your favourite Kwanzaa dish? (Would you like to share a recipe?)

We don't have a special Kwanzaa dish, but our family loves a simple Bake and Saltfish Breakfast (external link) . For those who know, you know. It is some of the simplest and yummiest food on earth. 

What’s your favourite Kwanzaa tradition?

Family talk time every evening where we light a candle, pray and discuss the world and what we would like to see better of it and how we can be catalysts in making that happen. 

What do you wish others knew about this holiday?

That you can make Kwanzaa a time for reflection and not pomp and circumstance. It doesn't have to have the animation and excitement of Christmas. It can be much more low key, with a mandate to slow down, be reflective and come as you are.