Who Stole Kwanzaa?

by Eco.Soul.Intellectual

Every year people tell me not to throw the baby out with the bathwater when it is time to celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa. I'm from Los Angeles, and Kwanzaa is huge! Well, at least it used to be. Since about the late 90s, event coordinators of Kwanzaa in Leimert Park have been beefing over control of the event due to money conflicts.

Oh yes, Kwanzaa is as capitalistic as Santa Claus and Christmas in some communities. In Los Angeles, since is West Coasters are far from regular cultural events (so says those in the East); black cultural events usually are well attended. But Kwanzaa has this funny, sad legacy that encompasses a trail of tears and blood.

I have said my piece behind closed doors, arguing with my friends who know the sordid history of Kwanzaa and its "creator" Maulana Karenga.

For the most part, people in Los Angeles are mum about the controversies around the history of Kwanzaa for two main reasons: they don't know or they stay diplomatic in efforts not rekindle a feud that still exists between former members of black power organizations of the 60s & 70s who often clashed; especially the US Organization and the Black Panther Party.

Of course this was all fueled by government intelligence that have documents showing its infiltration and divisive tactics within and between the two groups.

The US Organization, interestingly, the only black power organization that survived the neutralization by COINTELPRO in Los Angeles, operate with a very uhm, interesting defense mechanism. If you say one thing that challenges them, they will attempt to find you and silence you with insidious attacks. Believe me I've seen and heard them.

Moreover, the US Organization and the Black Panther Party in Los Angeles were black power version of Bloods & Crips. They weren't fighting over drugs or territory, but ideological agenda and political power that escalated into the killings of John J. Huggins, 23, and Alprentice "Bunchy" Carter, 26 on the campus of UCLA in 1969. (Read this 2008 Article regarding the shootings)

RELIGION, RACE & REALITY

Me being of direct Caribbean decent, I've been exposed to African cultural practices not seen by too many African Americans.

Oh yeah, I was born in ....

Trinidad & Tobago....

One of the things I saw as a child living there, was the religious practices of black people, and just how much it had nothing to do with the European concept of religion. I don't know, but this was back in the 70's, and even though there was a strong European influence or existence as far as religion is concerned (Catholicism was and is still big), there was still a very large African influence. This still permeates throughout the Caribbean to this day, unlike the way things are here in America. I wonder why is that? Why is it that as far as African religion, there has been a lasting effect in the Caribbean (and other places outside of America), than it has been here in this country?

If you ask anybody if they believed in voodoo, I think most of them would answer with a resounding no. Most of them have been taught that voodoo is just some bullshit mumbo jumbo. But most of the people who choose to believe voodoo, accepts it as something evil. Well voodoo, or Obeah, as its known in most of the Caribbean (or commonly in Trinidad & Tobago), is deep rooted in Africa, and NO, it is not an evil concept as its been perceived by many. Its a religion like any other religion, but the difference is that it has its roots in Africa. Have you ever wondered why, or how, its considered to be evil as opposed to Christianity? Why is it, that the African influenced religion is considered evil, but Christianity is considered good? Can any of you give me an answer on this?

Check this out....

And here is how it is in most of the caribbean....

And here is how it is in South America....

You might look at all of this as bullshit, or in a negative light. But have you ever given thought to why you look at it that way? You see, that's the thing about religion, everything that's practiced outside of the dominant culture is considered evil. And its no mistake who posses the dominant culture, right? Why is it that way? Why is it that the cultural religious practices of the indigenous people are always replaced, or at best infused with the religious practices and beliefs of the dominant culture? Why do some of you refuse to believe in the power of voodoo, ghosts and bullshit like that, but yet accept the bible, Christianity, and God as he's "marketed" thru Jesus as the way? If man can trace his origin to the continent of Africa, why are the religious practices of African people considered to be evil, and almost taboo? Why are the indigenous people of the world's cultural practices always replaced? Why are these people considered lost or "uncivilized" until Christianity comes ashore?

Answers...?

Anyone..........?