African American Museum of Iowa brings back Kwanzaa celebration

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Kwanzaa celebrations have returned to the African American Museum of Iowa.

The Cedar Rapids museum hosted a Kwanzaa event on Saturday, and organizers said it was the first event of its type for the museum in about 20 years.

The holiday of Kwanzaa consists of seven principles, and Michelle Edwards, a member of Women in NAACP (WIN), can tell you how her life is a reflection of those ideas.

Edwards wrote a children’s book, which she said connected to one Kwanzaa principle in particular.

“It goes along with the principle of Nia, and [that] stands for purpose,” she said.

The book Edwards was selling at Saturday’s event was about not being afraid of storms.

“My motto was never put a period on your life, so this gave my writing that I’ve always done a purpose,” she said.

Organizers of Saturday’s event said Kwanzaa was about purpose, as well as empowerment, self-determination, and joy.

“It’s a celebration of Black culture, Black life,” said Jacqueline Hunter, Museum Educator for the African American Museum Of Iowa. “The things that we are thankful for from the past, what we are looking to do, and focusing on the future.”

While the holiday was a celebration of Black life, Hunter added that anyone can live by the Kwanzaa principles.

“This is an event that is inspired by Black life, but we live among the community, and we want people to share in the experiences that we have here at the museum.”

“To me it’s about unity, uniting this community. I think about peace, peace in this world,” said Nancy Humbles, Chairperson of WIN.

A question Kwanzaa poses is “How can we be our best?” and the answer on Saturday was found in an afternoon of shared togetherness, and in the attention paid to how that togetherness can inspire.

“It gives you the strength, the umph to keep going,” said Edwards. “Because sometimes when you start things that are even in your purpose, you don’t always finish them and Kwanzaa—the concept of Kwanzaa helps you get there. Gives you that extra push.”

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