Kwanzaa Celebrated with Tradition, Thanksgiving

A joyful crowd filled the  in White Plains Wednesday, as did authentic African drumming and the laughter of cultural revelers. Students from , the,  and members of the community all came out to celebrate  and African culture.

The  kicked off with Master of Ceremonies Petra Thombs from the city's  [CUC].

"We have a lot of collaborators here today," Thombs excitedly said. "[Their purpose was to] teach our community, to make us stronger, make us better and make us grow."

The Reverend Carol Husten of the gave the opening prayer to all faiths in celebration of this cultural holiday that recognizes African and Pan-Africans of Islamic, Christian and Jewish faiths, among others.

See Patch's story on  by clicking . Children from the  lit the ceremonial Kinara, similar to the Jewish menorah.

"This candle represents unity—of family, community, nation and race," a boy told the crowd.

Maxwell Kofi Donkor—an international award winning sculptor, master drummer and teacher—had his drumming and dance troupe Sankofa entertain guests with traditional West African dancing and drumming that wowed the crowd with a variety of instruments and sounds, getting some to hop to their feet.

Donkor also lead the libation ceremony after the  lit the Kinara. A native from Ghana, he said the ceremony was a way to channel African heritage.

"We pour water or wine, we see it in the villages in Africa," Ghana said. "We're calling upon our ancestors who gave birth to us and are talking through us and our history…you are guiding us through all things."

As he poured the water he called out the names of traditional African American heroes like Sojourner Truth and Martin Luther King Jr. White Plains resident Mary Cobb then announced the honoring of elders that were among the crowd, like Dr. Olivia Hooker.

Hooker, a psychologist and a teacher, was honored for her service during World War II. She was the first African American woman allowed to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard. She also survived brutal race riots as a young girl in Tulsa, OK, that killed 500 people.

"She is a model of commitment, integrity and steadfastness," Cobb said. "The community recognizes this award for lifelong activism."

Delphine Burton of the  and its Residents Council, which also sponsored the event, honored notable seniors of the community for being persistent members that strive for change among youths and adults.

"They are those who are wise and all knowing," she said.

In addition to honoring senior citizens a major pillar of  is to recognize the power of youth.

"We also honor our children…we give them a symbolic ear of corn," Thombs told guests. The vegetable represents youth and a prosperous future; all children at the celebration received one.

The  step dancing team—a traditional group of dancers among African American youth—also participated in the celebration, entertaining the crowd while their feet pounded the floor. Superintendent of White Plains Schools  was there to watch the team and cheering them on. Girls apart of the YWCA GEMS program offered a song during the  celebration.

"I can be everything. I can be anything I desire to be," they sang.

Thombs gave a closing thanksgiving prayer before the  potluck feast began.

"In thanksgiving for the beautiful day…for taking care to build our community we offer thanksgiving," she said. "We are grateful for the experience of living together."

Trevon Mohammad, 16, stood at the end of the ceremony to offer a prayer to the crowd. When asked what his favorite part was he said, "The whole thing. The music and dancing and everyone coming together, sharing in laughter together."