By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
Diane Gordon, the founder and long-time organizer of Kwanzaa in northwest Ohio, has written a book entitled Collective Work of Toledo Kwanzaa House detailing her experiences and the history of Kwanzaa in Toledo.
“It was a passion of mine for the last 50 something years that I’ve presented Kwanzaa to the Toledo community and surrounding areas,” she stated.
The book is dedicated to her mother Lola Glover and her Aunt Nola Hunt (deceased)
”We celebrated the first Kwanzaa at my aunt’s house,” Gordon recalled. From there she began to invite people, along with her mother and aunt, into her home to have Kwanzaa every year. “The expansion of the Kwanzaa celebration in my home got so great that I could not do it any longer… we didn’t have any more space,” she stated.
The celebration expanded to the Grace Community Center with the help of Betty Amison and grew to be hosted at the library, University of Toledo, University of Michigan and many spaces throughout northwest Ohio and southwest Michigan over the years.
“It expanded far beyond what I could have imagined. But I was persistent that every year, December 26 through January 1, that OUR people would be celebrating their culture and history and their true history. And understanding that we have more power than we really realize when we come together.”
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. (source:nmaahc.si.edu)
The seven principles celebrated each year are Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-determination); Ujima (Collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
“I thought it was important that I leave a legacy for my children, so they know where Kwanzaa started from. And it started in a living room at a home with my mother and my aunt… this blended family had the courage and understanding of the importance of celebrating Kwanzaa,” she said.
“The book is a collection of all the people in this community who have been a part of the Kwanzaa celebration over the years or been a part of the Kwanzaa committee, volunteers, vendors… It’s been a journey, but it’s been a good journey. It’s been an amazing journey,” reflected Gordon.
Collective Work of Toledo Kwanzaa House is 80 pages with vivid color photographs highlighting the history of Kwanzaa in Northwest Ohio. The book is Illustrated by Rachel Montogomery and written by Diane Gordon. It costs $69.95.
Last year Gordon passed the torch to her grandson, Rodney Gordon, who grew up with the celebration, and Rashid Spencer as coordinators of the Kwanzaa celebration in Toledo. Kwanzaa will be celebrated at the Frederick Douglass Community Center December 26 – January 1 and also at The Padua Center on January 27.
A copy of the book is available at the Kent Branch Library Art Tatum Collection.
To purchase the book contact Diane Gordon directly at 419-410-8022.