Kwanzaa celebrated in the city of Fort Myers is a heartfelt tribute to African-American culture, with local businesses and organizations playing a vital role in this meaningful observance. The spirit of Kwanzaa is alive in the community, as residents gather to honor their heritage and emphasize shared values. This celebration, which spans from December 26 to January 1, acts as both a reminder and a catalyst for unity and understanding among diverse backgrounds.
Miyoshi Price, the Fort Myers community correspondent, recently spoke with Mattie Shoemaker-Young, the second-generation owner of Veronica Shoemaker Florist. Mattie hopes her floral creations will be a source of inspiration and connection among neighbors. She passionately believes that every cultural celebration deserves recognition, fostering awareness about Fort Myers’ vibrant diversity. With every blooming arrangement she designs, she narrates the rich tapestry of traditions that make up the community.
Kwanzaa celebrated in the city of Fort Myers by local businesses & organizations
This annual celebration of Kwanzaa—rooted in the socio-political upheaval of the 1960s—is about looking back and reflecting on the past while forging a path toward inclusivity and appreciation. “It is a time of reflection, a time of celebration, where we look back at our cultural values,” states Mattie, firmly establishing the importance of this holiday.
In response to community interest, Mattie began creating floral arrangements that embrace the symbolism of Kwanzaa. Her floral designs prominently feature the colors of the holiday—black, red, and green—each representing essential tenets of the celebration. This highlights not only the beauty of flowers but also the profound principles they embody: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
As the floral shop marks half a century of dedicated service in Fort Myers, Mattie emphasizes how local businesses contribute to the community’s overall vitality, helping to establish a sustainable tax base that supports various events, infrastructure, and activities. “We’ve been determined to stay here, and we’ve persevered, supported by the community,” she shares warmly, illuminating the continual growth of relationships fostered over decades.
During Kwanzaa, participants light candles on the Kinara in alignment with the day’s principles. Each candle represents a unique aspect of African heritage—the black candle for people, the red for struggle, and the green for the hope of a promising future. Lighting these candles becomes a daily ritual, an intimate act of remembering and honoring. As she describes this tradition, Mattie encapsulates the essence of Kwanzaa, transforming each flickering flame into a symbol of perseverance and shared aspirations.
The Quality Life Center kickstarts the city’s Kwanzaa festivities with lively dance and cultural expressions, further nurturing an environment of belonging. This coming together is not exclusive to one group. Mattie ardently encourages everyone to participate, stating, “It’s not just for Africans. It’s a celebration where we come together as a community to look back at all that our African Americans have done here in the community.” Her call for unity beautifully captures the spirit of Kwanzaa as a universal celebration of resilience and hope.
This Kwanzaa season, as the community engages in reflection, connection, and joy, the message is clear: Fort Myers’ rich cultural diversity is something to be celebrated by all. The flowers at Veronica Shoemaker Florist may symbolize the deeper meanings of the holiday, but the spirit of Kwanzaa—encouraging togetherness and understanding—blooms in the hearts of everyone involved.
