GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids community kicked off Kwanzaa celebrations Friday evening at the Kwanzaa Soul Stroll on Eastern Avenue SE. This year, Grand Rapids mayor David LaGrand signed a proclamation recognizing the celebration.
Each of the seven days highlights a principle, starting with unity on day one. People at the gathering shared and learned traditions from one another.
A beginner’s guide to Kwanzaa
“Being proud of all the contributions of the African American people here in the United States who created this holiday, who struggled for freedom and was self determined to come together and it’s a cultural celebration,” said Kwanzaa Soul Stroll organizer Jewellynne Richardson, also known as Mama Jewel.
Part of the proclamation honors Reuben Smartt, a trailblazer in the Grand Rapids community who would give out $2 bills to children. So, Mama Jewell did what Smartt used to: hand out $2 to everyone in the crowd. She added a challenge.
“Spend the $2 in our Black-owned businesses. Out of unity to show the power, show the power of the Black dollar,” she explained. The other principles include self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith…