Dr. Kaia Naantaanbuu-Jones, the new president of Memphis Kwanzaa, said the organization hopes to expand on her mother's vision and mission by adding educational and health services.
Before the death of her mother, Adjua Abi Naantaanbuu, in November of 2008, Naantaanbuu-Jones discussed with her the possibility of finding a larger office for Memphis Kwanzaa International, Inc., which began in her mother's home in Cherokee Heights.
That goal could become a reality as Naantaanbuu-Jones takes over the helm of Memphis Kwanzaa, a weeklong African-American, Pan-African cultural celebration observed each year in the United States from Dec. 26 through Jan.1.
"Before (my mother) died, we'd talked about moving the office from her home," said Naantaanbuu-Jones, a Memphis pharmacist. "She had been president for 23 years and thought it was a good idea."
Naantaanbuu-Jones, tapped in February to lead the group, said the organization will move if money can be found to refurbish space in an office building that she and her husband own at 1539 Elvis Presley Blvd.
The new facility will be named The Memphis Kwanzaa Social Center for Health, Education, Inc., she said. This name change reflects the need to provide "our people with health screenings, diabetic education, and family life services, including emotional and social issues," she said.
With a new facility, the group will be able to expand services. "It will include an onsite medical doctor, sociologist and psychologist ... so we can come together year 'round and learn the principles of Kwanzaa."
Dr. Maulana Karenga, a California scholar and social activist, held the first Kwanzaa in 1966. He said he created the event "to give African Americans an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."
Naantaanbuu-Jones said she is planning to visit California to observe Kwanzaa in action year 'round.
"I will travel to California to see what Dr. Karenga is doing there," she said. "I plan to reconnect with him and then organize pre-Kwanzaa events throughout the year (in Memphis)."
The plan also calls for a trip to New York to study the Universal Association of Ethiopian Women (UAEW), a female rights organization founded by the late pan-Africanist Queen Mother Moore.
"She was my god-mother," said Naantaanbuu-Jones, who is rebuilding the Kwanzaa board.
She also wants to build a bridge across Memphis as a link to organizations, schools, churches and other local groups. That link will also include Hispanics and "mixed-heritage" children.
"We are a dying community in Memphis," said Naantaanbuu-Jones. "We have to make a difference. Our children don't know who they are. If they did, they would know their culture and identity. This is what Kwanzaa is all about."
