The founder of Ashay University Mrs Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten, MA, was centre stage on Friday night at the Bermuda Industrial Union hosting nearly 100 students and their families at Ashay’s first Kwanzaa Celebration and Potluck Dinner.

Kwanzaa is the Pan-African holiday created by Dr Maulana Karenga. Mrs Van Putten explained, it is not just another holiday, but an opportunity to reflect upon values to uplift and grow the community. She added, the principles of Kwanzaa are universal and utilised by all successful people worldwide. Kwanzaa advocates practice of these universal values, presenting them through our own cultural mirror that we might not only embrace them, but consciously live them daily.

Friday was the second day of Kwanzaa, when the principle of Kujichagulia, which is Self-Determination, was espoused. That, Mrs Van Putten declared is her favourite principle.

Last night’s celebration was highlighted with drumming, candle lighting, singing, poetry and inspirational readings.

Ashay University was founded by Mrs Van Putten in the spring of this year upon the publication of her fourth book, ‘Healing History: Reflections on Race and Forgiveness in Prose and Poetry’. At the book launch, one of the audience members of the standing-room-only crowd suggested she hold classes for adults and the African-centred, adult community, and classes were initiated.

Ashay University classes have been held at the Bermuda National Library, attended by a cross-section of the Bermudian community, including adults in their 60s, male, female, professionals and working folks, black and white.

Mrs Van Putten said she is particularly encouraged by the presence of teachers in both public and private school systems, attending her classes to increase their knowledge and enhance the curriculum they are charged with teaching. In particular, the September class, ‘Life Before Enslavement’, contained information teachers could immediately use in reference to African philosophy and the African Empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhay. Registration is currently open for ‘The Freedom Fighters’, commencing in February 2014.