MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

'This is smoke and mirrors': Lori Lightfoot, wife slammed for wishing 'joyous Kwanzaa'

Kwanzaa festival was founded by black nationalist Dr Maulana Karenga, who was later convicted of torturing two women

Lori Lightfoot and her wife Amy Eshleman have been slammed online after they shared a video wishing people a “joyous Kwanzaa”. The Twitter video message was captioned as “The seven principles of Kwanzaa are as important as ever and should be a guide for all of us. Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate,” where Lightfoot said, “Joyous Kwanzaa, Chicago! The seven principles of Kwanzaa guide us to unity and cooperation as we work to uplift and protect our neighbors.”

Her wife Eshleman also stated in the video, “As you light the candles and gather in unity, we hope your holiday is filled with rejoicing and happiness.” The couple also encouraged COVID-19 vaccines in their social media message. “The COVID-19 vaccines are by far the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus. Anyone who isn't vaccinated should get one as soon as possible to be protected for the holidays. And that includes five to 11-year-olds who are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine,” the Chicago Mayor noted.

READ MORE

Lori Lightfoot compared to The Shining's Jack Nicholson, here's what happened

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gets Christopher Columbus statue removed from city park days after clashes

Lightfoot took to Twitter on Sunday afternoon, December 26, as she said, “Amy and I wish to extend a very beautiful and prosperous Kwanzaa to all of you celebrating this season. As you prepare for your Kwanzaa celebrations, I urge you to keep these values in mind. May the light of peace bring happiness to your home as we wish you the warmth and togetherness of Kwanzaa.” Her wife added, “We wish you a wonderful seven nights celebration, and hope they are filled with renewal and joy.”

But people seemed not impressed with their heartfelt wish for the festival celebration, founded by black nationalist Dr Maulana Karenga, who was later convicted of torturing two women. Kwanzaa is a seven-day festival commemorating African-American culture that starts on December 26 and ends on January 1. It also includes seven symbols depicting values and concepts reflective of African culture.

However, people online fired back at them with one critic writing, “I have about 60 or so black friends, I know that none of them celebrate Kwanzaa. This is smoke and mirrors.” The second critic sarcastically asked, “Is this a satuday night live skit?” “Kwanza is Swahili for Beginning. But we really have no record of that pagan godless day. We never even had candles! But we have a port town called Mwanza on Lake Victoria. Here and there we celebrate Christmas not kwanza!” the third one added.

A user even pointed out the surge in crime rate in Chicago by asking Lightfoot, “How many people were shot this weekend?” Another one commented, “Kwanzaa’s creator was convicted in 1971 of torturing two women. According to the LA Times, he made them strip, burned them with a soldering iron, beat them with night stick, & put detergent and running hoses in their mouths. Which of the 7 principles was he following?”

“Pay your employees. Charges should be filed with EEOC and Illinois department of labor against the city for not having enough money to cash employees paychecks,” a person reminded the 59-year-old politician.

Disclaimer: This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.