Drum beats herald Kwanzaa celebration
Published: Sunday, January 1, 2006 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, January 1, 2005 at 12:00 a.m.
The colors and sounds of Africa filled the Chariot on Saturday as residents experienced their cultural roots through music, dance, drums, plays, language and food.
Elders and children alike smiled, danced, swayed and clapped to the fast-paced, rhythmic beating of the West African drums. The beat resonated through the room, moving many to their feet and bringing smiles to nearly every face.
The red, black and green colors, depicted in flags of many African nations, adorned shawls, cloths, clothing and decorations as about 120 county residents gathered for Kwanzaa, a celebration to promote unity among black American people and an opportunity to learn of their African ancestry.
"This celebration is the joy of the community coming together and working together as a people," said Dianne Caldwell, sponsor and organizer. "We are all one race under God and, by His Spirit, we're all one."
Those attending the celebration are demonstrating their unity and, together, their willingness to help each other, to build a community and make a difference in the community, she said.
"By remembering our ancestors, we can unite in the present and make the future brighter for our children," she said.
The celebration in the United States began in 1966, not as a religious holiday, but a means for black Americans to learn about their history and culture, said Carolyn Davis.
Many black Americans descend from the cultures of West Africa. Kwanzaa, a gathering to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest, is a word from the Swahili language of East Africa. The word was chosen because Swahili is known in many parts of the African continent, she said.
'It's a time to celebrate and share food, exchange gifts and unite people as we learn about our shared history," Davis said.
The highlight of the day was the music performed by the Avec la Force Percussion group from Asheville. The musicians and dancers performed West African music on traditional drums. The larger drums, where drumsticks are used, are made from cow hide. The smaller drums, where the drummers' hands beat the rhythm, are made from goat skin.
Kevin Meyame, a native of the Ivory Coast and lead drummer and dancer, led the participants as they embraced their ancestry and heritage through music. The music is performed when people gather in their villages after the harvest, Meyame said.
The Rev. John Cato and wife, Charlotte, led the lighting of the red, green and black candles, symbolizing the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Cato, a minister and retired social sciences professor from a college in New York City, served as the master of ceremony. Charlotte Cato, a retired women's and black studies college professor, taught the participants the Swahili words for each candle. The couple retired to Hendersonville from Teaneck, N.J.
Ronnie Pepper and friends performed a skit demonstrating the power of community unity and celebration in raising hopes and spirits.
Johnnie Washington of Fletcher and Hannah Edwards of East Flat Rock were honored for their years of work serving the black community in Henderson County. Washington is a volunteer with the Housing Assistance Corp., Habitat for Humanity, his church and many other community service organizations. Edwards taught for many years in the Hendersonville school system and continues to actively work in her church and community on behalf of young people and serves with Bounty of Bethlehem, the Salvation Army and county historical groups.
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