Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African heritage holiday which was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa is celebrated through singing, speaking, dancing, and reciting just as is done in traditional African heritage celebrations on the continent of Africa. Kwanzaa is build on seven principles which are collectively known as “Nguzo Saba.” These seven principles are: 1. umoja - unity 2. kujichagulia - self-determination 3. ujima - collective work and responsibility 4. ujamaa - cooperative economics 5. nia - purpose 6. kuumba - creativity 7. mani - faith Dr. Karenga developed Kwanzaa from elements of various African heritages. The African version of the Kwanzaa ceremony ... Read Full Story

NOTE: this one's from last year, but I still stand by the sentiment. I know it's a rerun but it's okay to cheat during the holidays, sez me. Okay, I have to ask: am I the only black guy who thinks Kwanzaa is a load of bullshit? Today's the first day of that annual celebration, and I just ain't feelin' it. Never did. By way of explanation as to exactly what Kwanzaa's supposed to be, here's an excerpt from the good old Wikipedia: Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza) is a week-long Pan-African festival celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African American heritage. It is observed ... Read Full Story

My mother just text me saying several days ago, one of my cousin's sons was talking about Hanukkah and some of his classmates stated that it wasn't a holiday we as African Americans observe. His mother, my cousin, corrects her son and says that it is indeed a holiday we do celebrate and that it is an African American holiday and what he was told wasn't true. So my mother couldn't just let my cousin sit in blissful ignorance and allow for her poor child to not know any better. Now to be politically correct, there are many blacks that are Jewish and do ... Read Full Story

I forgot to include an oldie (circa 1996) but goodie from the UK group St. Etienne, "I Was Born on Christmas Day", featuring the ethereal vocals of Sarah Crack nell. Today is the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa: Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility The goal is to build and maintain a community. This is where it is imperative that people financially support those entities and companies that don't harm the Black community, especially Black women and girls. For example, if a large consumer products company such as Proctor & Gamble is paying for advertising on shows that degrades the image of Black women then ... Read Full Story

Today as we begin a new year, we will conclude our observation of Kwanzaa with the appropriate seventh principle: Imani - Faith . Hey that's my name! The goal is to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. This collective concern and love is wonderful. I'm going to dial it back a bit though and charge that the first thing WE have to be concerned about is TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES FIRST! When you fly, you are instructed to put on your oxygen mask before assisting others in case ... Read Full Story