Kathryn Sears
By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
As many embrace the spirit of gifting and receiving, one organization stands out for embodying the true essence of community during the holiday season. Safe Black Space, a local organization dedicated to the mental health of Black people, prepares for its fourth annual Kwanzaa celebration, a unique gifting ceremony designed to uplift families in need while embracing the holiday’s principles.
Dr. Kristee Haggins is a mental health professional and executive director of Safe Black Space. Driven by a passion for social justice and a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, Dr. Haggins and her team at Safe Black Space embarked on a mission to create inclusive and accessible services.
To include the community in celebrating Kwanzaa, Safe Black Space organizes Kwanzaa “Kutoa” – a Swahili word that means “to give.” Community members are asked to nominate families who may be in need and that exemplifies one the seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguzo Saba.
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This year’s Kwanzaa Kutoa is 2-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1 at Unity of Sacramento located at 9249 Folsom Blvd. The event will feature African drumming, dancing and delicious food.
“One of the things I think that makes us a bit special is really wanting to make sure that we’re connecting to our full health as Black people and recognizing that it’s healthy and helpful for us to connect to our culture and our cultural roots. Kwanzaa is one way to do that,” Dr. Haggins said.
Founded by U.S. activist and scholar Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1 and honors African American heritage and culture. Those who celebrate the holiday do so by recognizing the Nguzo Saba, which represent the values and concepts essential to building strong and thriving communities.
These principles are umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).
Assaita Morgan, a longtime member of Safe Black Space, plays a crucial role in spearheading the initiative. She has celebrated Kwanzaa with her family for years and thinks it’s beneficial for the community to engage with the purpose and magic of the holiday.
“While trying to figure out how to support the community, we decided that this would be one event we could do,” Morgan said. “We try to individualize according to the needs of each family we choose. And for us, that’s just a way of giving back.”
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On the last day of Kwanzaa, seven nominated families are chosen and honored during a celebration. Honorees receive monetary gifts, food, a Kwanzaa kit and other items that embody the spirit and principles of the holiday.
“Part of our intention in this is to help people reestablish some hope and to connect with our power and brilliance as Black people, particularly in times where we may or may not feel as connected,” Dr. Haggins said.
For more information about Kwanzaa Kutoa, contact [email protected] or (530) 683-5101.
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