Karenga founded Kwanzaa in 1966 and although he had previously visited the College, this was the first time he had participated in a Kwanzaa celebration here.
The ceremony began with a welcoming (Kukaribisha) that included a drum call (Mwito wa ngoma) by the Bamidele Dancers and Drummers, information on the roots of Kwanzaa presented by Jonathan Mosley '01 and a message of the "Wisdom of the Elders" given by Professor of English and Black Studies Andrea Rushing.
Rushing spoke on remembering the principles of Kwanzaa celebration.
"She reminded the younger generations that, as we strive forward and upward, we must remember to constantly lift up our fellow community members," Black Student Union (BSU) Chairman Marlon Cush '02 said.
"She really was very inspirational," said Jillian Brewster '03, a member of the Kwanzaa Planning Committee.
Additionally, the ceremony included a lecture entitled "The Principles and Practice of Kwanzaa: Bringing Good Into The World," by Karenga and performances by student musicians, poets and dancers.
"[Karenga] was a great speaker because he didn't sugar-coat the issues," Vikeena Bonett '03 said. "He got people to really think about the issues that affect the world."
"I was in complete awe of Dr. Karenga. He has a very magnetic and energizing manner about him and it was simply an honor to have him at Amherst," Cush added.
Kwanzaa is a seven day celebration beginning on Dec. 26 and ending on Jan. 1. During this period a candle is lit each night to honor African ancestors. Each candle represents the principles that participants are supposed to embody in practicing Kwanzaa. The principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Umjia (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
During the ceremony, BSU community members who had been outstanding examples of these seven principles throughout the year were honored.
Finally, the celebration was followed by a traditional feast (Karamu) held in the Octagon building in honor of Kwanzaa.
Dean Onawumi Jean Moss, Kwanzaa Planning Committee Advisor, said that she thought the ceremony gave people a better understanding of what Kwanzaa means and what is required of those who observe it.
"I love every minute of Kwanzaa," she said. "The fact that we celebrate it here is what I most appreciate."