By Theneisha Smith/reporter
The Women in New Roles Network Celebrated Women’s History Month with Music Reflecting Women’s Lives, featuring Laveria Bogan, jazz vocalist and WINR student.
Bogan began her performance of song and inspirational poems by saying her mother died in January, so she is beginning a new phase in her life, being without her mother. She dedicated her performance to her mother, grandmother and all the ancestors who came before her.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa served as the backdrop for the performance. Kwanzaa is the African-American celebration of the African first fruits celebration, which occurs Dec. 26- Jan. 1.
The first principle is Umoja, which represents unity. Bogan said all people must honor their connections. People are connected through breath and love.
In celebration of unity, Bogan performed “All Blues” with the audience providing the rhythms.
Kujichagulia, the second principle, means to define one’s self. Bogan related the story of her becoming a grandmother and her children wanting her to take care of the grandchildren. Bogan said that was fine for the first and second grandchild, but when the third grandchild came, she wanted to go back to school and explore new roles.
Bogan performed “On a Clear Day” to celebrate defining one’s self.
To build and maintain community and to make “our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our own” is the third principle: Ujima.
“ So Many Stars” was performed because, Bogan said, there are many stars, but each one has an individual’s name on it.
The fourth principle, Ujamma, means cooperative economics.
“ As parents, we want our children to have their own,” she said. “Kids today have a problem distinguishing when their life at home should end.”
“ God Bless the Child” was Bogan’s selection to represent Ujamma.
Purpose, Nia, is the fifth principle of Kwanzaa.
“ What is your purpose?” Bogan asked. “We are created to create peace and share love.”
Creativity, Kuumba, is the sixth principle. Bogan said she chose “You Go To My Head” because her mother always told a great story of how her parents fell in love.
“ We walk the path of faith,” Bogan said as she prepared her final selection “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
She had the audience stand and join her during the song, which represents the final principle faith, Imani.
For more information about the Women in New Roles Network, contact Triesha Light at 817-515-4740 or go to the Web site off the South Campus home page.
