The National Black Council of Elders (NBCOE) has been launched in the United States of America (USA), December 26, 2022, as this year’s KWANZAA celebrations, the pan African holiday, that runs from December 26 to January 1, 2023, begins.
The launch of the Council of Elders, which was well attended by eminent personalities from all over the world was virtual and had as Keynote Speaker, Dr. Nikita Imani, a Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He spoke eloquently on Ma’at, the ancient Egyptian concept of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice.
Presided over by Elder Mwalimu Wesley Kabaila and effectively moderated by Queen Mother Nina Womack, the assembly of notable Black Elders and some youths from across continents witnessed contributions that are sure to positively impact, not only the present, but generations to come.
Participants also learnt more about Kwanzaa, the seven-day festival celebrated globally in appreciation of African and African-American history, heritage and culture, including Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the significance of the colours of the seven candles – three red, three green and one black, and especially about the principle of Umoja (Unity).
The Kwanzaa celebration, which is a conscious effort to relate to the past to understand the present to be able to deal with the future, will continue across the world in different forms in the next seven days. It will take the forms of empowering discussions, displays of pan African arts and culture, poetry, songs and film festivals, among others.
Among those present at the launch were members of the Steering Committee of the Council, including Queen Mother Leona M. Abdullah-Ward, Professor Dr. Zulumathabo Zulu of Madisebo University, South Africa, Dr. Akil Khalfani, Professor of Sociology and Director of Africana Studies at Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, Dr. Nelson Aluya, physician and President of Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) USA, Queen Mother Mai Imakhu, Prophet Anyanwu Cox. and Dr. Cassandra Mmabatho Hawkins.
Commentators agree that the launch of the NBCOE is a major step in the right direction, especially in the direction of unity of purpose to tackle the common concerns of Blacks in the US and all over the world.
