By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor
Kwanzaa celebrations have been organized in Galveston by Sue Johnson since the early 1990s. Her family members attending Saturday evening’s community Kwanzaa were elated to have their sister, daughter and grandmother continuing to lead the community in Kwanzaa celebrations.
“I love getting together with the people I love the most,” one of Johnson’s granddaughters said.
Along with Johnson’s grandchildren, her sister and her 91-year-old mother were in attendance and radiated their joy at their family member’s accomplishments.
Johnson explained why she continues to honor Kwanzaa with a community celebration.
“I do it because the seven principles of Kwanzaa resonate with me, and our community could really use reminding ourselves of our cultural heritage and some of the commonalities of traditions between African Americans and Africans around the globe,” Johnson said.
Her sentiments echoed those expressed by guest speaker Anthony Griffin author of “The Water Cries,” a nonfiction book about the history of slave markets in Galveston.
“We have to continue to celebrate,” said Griffin. “We have to continue to show up.”
Kaison Ward, who attends Texas State and is from Galveston, also shared his thoughts with the audience.
“We don’t just recite the principals we live by them,” Kaison said. “Our strength is in our commitment to one another.”
One attendee, Alicia Fletcher, with her eyes sparkling, shared, “I love it that every single time we come together is a good time!”
In addition to the speakers, the celebration included engaging the attendees in responding to African words in music, the lighting of candles, African drum music, a community string trio from Houston, African-style dance performances, uplifting songs performed by students from The Freedom School and a poem read and written by Robert Ellis III.
Johnson presented five individuals with Village Keeper awards. The Village Keepers for 2025 were Patricia Como Pervis, Teresa Boulet, D’Andre Dearmon, Harold Cash, and La Kesha Golliday.
The most distinguished Elder award was given to Diane Henderson-Moore.
Kwanzaa is a celebration honoring the culture and traditions of Africa.
In the words of Sue Johnson, “It is not a religious holiday; it is cultural.”
The community event was held at the Old Cultural Center in Galveston on Saturday.
