Kwanzaa... The Japanese Version
So, my father, being the type of gung ho Buddhist Jap activist man he is, decided this year we would celebrate Kwanzaa. Last night was the first night, the night of Unity.
The community decided, because I was the only person in attendance under the age of 50, that I should light the first candle in the Kenorah. This was awkward and uncomfortable, as I am not, nor have I ever been, of African descent. I have celebrated Kwanzaa in the past, when I was very very little. My only memories consist of Ox Tale soup and Afrocentric Lesbian Theatre Performances. I was 6 or 7.
The "community" was a bunch of Buddhist People, a Jewish Person, and a Quaker, of whom four were of African descent. We disscussed the meaning of Unity to each of us. They decided that Shelby and I, being the only people under 50, should lead one of the nights of Kwanzaa. I chose Purpose, because I figured we couldn't fuck that one up as much as Creativity, or supporting African American locally owned business, because the reality is, I live in Minnesota.
Anyways, here are some memorable qoutes from my Tata Penda, and June, two older women who have known me since I was 6.
"You aren't really living until you know what you are willing to die for" -June
"It doesn't matter to me if you're Ellie, Elliott, or Ellaschmooalala, Cause I have unconditional love for you no matter what. I don't care if you're he or she or it, I love you anways. I am your Tata Penda, and you should never be afraid to call" -Tata Penda.
Now, these women were a very large part of my childhood, and I revere and respect them as the survivors that they are. Proud, Single older women, who have always given me Nikki Giovanni Books and Rainbow stickers, who take me to lunch and always made me believe that I was going to be someone in this world. During this Kwanzaa season, I want to let you all know that I do not feel right being the person who lit the Kenorah, but I am glad that I have the chance to recieve powerful wisdom from amazing people every day, regardless of race, gender, class or orientation.
Thank You for any wisdom you have given me, for the kindness and the lessons you have passed on to me. I am eternally grateful.
The community decided, because I was the only person in attendance under the age of 50, that I should light the first candle in the Kenorah. This was awkward and uncomfortable, as I am not, nor have I ever been, of African descent. I have celebrated Kwanzaa in the past, when I was very very little. My only memories consist of Ox Tale soup and Afrocentric Lesbian Theatre Performances. I was 6 or 7.
The "community" was a bunch of Buddhist People, a Jewish Person, and a Quaker, of whom four were of African descent. We disscussed the meaning of Unity to each of us. They decided that Shelby and I, being the only people under 50, should lead one of the nights of Kwanzaa. I chose Purpose, because I figured we couldn't fuck that one up as much as Creativity, or supporting African American locally owned business, because the reality is, I live in Minnesota.
Anyways, here are some memorable qoutes from my Tata Penda, and June, two older women who have known me since I was 6.
"You aren't really living until you know what you are willing to die for" -June
"It doesn't matter to me if you're Ellie, Elliott, or Ellaschmooalala, Cause I have unconditional love for you no matter what. I don't care if you're he or she or it, I love you anways. I am your Tata Penda, and you should never be afraid to call" -Tata Penda.
Now, these women were a very large part of my childhood, and I revere and respect them as the survivors that they are. Proud, Single older women, who have always given me Nikki Giovanni Books and Rainbow stickers, who take me to lunch and always made me believe that I was going to be someone in this world. During this Kwanzaa season, I want to let you all know that I do not feel right being the person who lit the Kenorah, but I am glad that I have the chance to recieve powerful wisdom from amazing people every day, regardless of race, gender, class or orientation.
Thank You for any wisdom you have given me, for the kindness and the lessons you have passed on to me. I am eternally grateful.