Tuesday, Dec. 26, marks the first day of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration during which families and communities focus on a different principle at the root of African culture.
On the first day, the focus is on Umoja, or unity of family, community, nation and race. Umoja inspires us to join together in solidarity and celebrate our oneness and pride in our African heritage. It speaks to the need to enlarge our circle and build our community.
The principal of unity was demonstrated this year when the community rallied around preserving this historic site in Bed-Stuy known as The Magnolia Tree Earth Center Inc.
Fifty years ago, Bed-Stuy community Hattie Carthan, affectionately known as “The Tree Lady,” pioneered a green movement in Central Brooklyn, planting over 1,500 trees. She also raised nearly $20,000 in community funding to save a 40-foot tall Magnolia grandiflora tree and three brownstones from demolition.
This year it was discovered that Carthan’s beloved Magnolia, New York City’s only living tree landmark, and her legacy were again at stake. Without the half-million needed to repair the Center, both the tree and the center were due for demolition.
The community wasn't having it! Immediately a coalition formed around the effort to save the landmarked and launched a GoFundMe Campaign: From local elected officials, to local celebrities, to the city's cultural arts commissioner, to hundreds of the residents themselves, they brought historic site back into the public eye, raising over $113,000 in support.
Umoja was an exemplary intention and value for both Carthan and the community of Brooklyn residents that rallied on her behalf 50 years later. They all understood there could be no progress without unity!
To read more about The Magnolia Tree Earth Center, go here.
Beginning Tuesday, December 26, and for the entire week of Kwanzaa, BK Reader will feature a different local organization or resident whose story this year exemplifies one of Kwanzaa's seven principles!
