Gavin and Jennifer Newsom honor rich history of African-American community with Kwanzaa message

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Newsom, whom he refers to as the first partner, shared a video on social media marking Kwanzaa on Friday, December 26.

Using his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Newsom posted a message alongside the video, “As families come together to light the kinara, Jen and I wish all those celebrating a joyful Kwanzaa." But his message didn’t resonate with social media users as much as he might have hoped.

Gavin and Jennifer Newsom share a Kwanzaa message highlighting unity and community

In the post, Gavin Newsom further wrote, "May the seven principles of Kwanzaa, in particular community, purpose, and unity, guide our way toward a better future. Happy Kwanzaa, California!"

The video featured a joint statement from Gavin and Jennifer Newsom. They said, "This holiday was created to honor the rich history of the African-American community and to invite all communities to come together."

They encouraged reflection and shared purpose, noting, "Reflect on our past, its struggles and triumphs, and look ahead to our shared future. The seven principles of Kwanza offer guidance as to how we can make the future bright, reminding us to keep faith in ourselves and in each other."

The message concludes with a final holiday wish. "So, as families across the country gather to light the Canara, we wish you all a joyful Kwanzaa. To all of those who celebrate happy Kwanzaa," they added.

Separately, an Eventbrite listing shows that a public Kwanzaa event is planned at the California State Capitol on December 29. The event is titled the 27th Annual California State Capitol Kwanzaa Celebration.

Online critics question Newsoms' holiday message

Social media users reacted quickly, and many responses were openly critical and frankly didn't like Gavin and Jennifer Newsom's message. One commenter wrote, "Serious question: have you ever met a single person who celebrates Kawanzaa?"

"You ignored Hanukkah. You mocked Christmas lockdowns. But every year, you dust off this Kwanzaa tweet like anyone’s lighting a kinara in Oakland. This isn’t inclusion. It’s political theater," another user shared. 

'Happy What? American mates, what is this new American celebration? Kwanzaa?" wrote someone else. 

"Stop pandering. We know you couldn’t care less about Kwanzaa," a person bluntly wrote. 

Another shares, "Literally no families are coming together to light the kinara."

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.