Kwanzaa

Today is just another workday for most or perhaps a banking holiday since Christmas fell on a Sunday; but for many around the world December 26th commemorates special holidays.  Since the 5th century Austria and other Christian countries observe St. Stephen’s Day or “Stephanitag” , as is called in German-speaking nations, to honor St. Stephen.  In Great Britain, Ireland, and South Africa it is Boxing Day , African Americans start of a week-long celebration of Kwanzaa , and the eastern...Read Full Story

On Friday, December 30, 2011 the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association and Community Builders Holistic Development Corporation will present the 22nd Annual Mary Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration . This is the Miami-Dade Chapter's signature event as they give back to the South Florida community. They are pleased to continue their longstanding partnership with Community Builders and their Osun’s Village & African Caribbean Cultural Arts Corridor Project in...Read Full Story

Kwanzaa means (First Fruit of the harvest) in Kiswahili. Kwanzaa is celebrated by African-Americans in form of holidays. Also called as an African-American celebration. It last for one week (seven days), staring from 26th December till January 1st(New year day). The seven days of Kwanzaa which are said to be the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose...Read Full Story

Another Bagwine Tradition....That's right, time to get jiggy with Kwaanza!! Hanukkah has passed, Christmas is four days away, but let us not forget that on December 26th, the celebration of Kwanzaa begins. Allow me to 'splain... In 1966 some uppity social academic decided that this time of the year needed a little soul mixed in with all of the dreidel spinning and Andy Williams Christmas albums. Maulana Karenga founded a seven day celebration of African and African-American culture known as...Read Full Story

I want to wish a Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate. I have been trying to find someone who observes Kwanzaa to write a guest post about the principles and symbols of Kwanzaa, and how they incorporate them into their family's celebration, but unfortunately, I have not been successful as of yet. So, I urge everyone to check out the Official Kwanzaa Website to learn more about the roots of and practices associated with this cultural holiday. If anyone out there is interested in sharing how...Read Full Story