Another thought: Kwanzaa - a time for reflection

Heri za Kwanzaa!

Kwanzaa is a time for spiritual reflection, a festive and joyous holiday...a cultural celebration. Kwanzaa has no ties to a particular religion. It is practiced by African people of all faiths, who come together based on their rich, ancient and varied common African heritage. Today, the seven-day observance of the Kwanzaa holiday is celebrated by millions of African-Americans and Africans around the world.

Habari gani? UMOJA! (Unity)

At this time of racial turmoil, confusion, police brutality and the war on black males in this country it is important that any discussion of race begin with us. Our young, gifted and black children need to know the truth of who they are more than ever. They need to know their true history and share in the stories of our black experience as told in a way that only we can tell it. Youth must be taught, and perhaps many of us need to relearn, what it means to participate in the betterment of our communities. The positive messages of today are taught through example in our homes, in our schools, in our places of worship and, importantly, in the media. Foolishness begets foolishness. Pride begets pride.

So I will continue to celebrate Kwanzaa in my home and in any public forum available to me. I will continue to seek and strive for unity within my family, in my community including my church, in the nation and in my race.

UMOJA!

“At its core, the principle unity is about attachment - attachment to each other and, most importantly, to the values which define us as family, as community and as a people.” – The Kwanzaa Guide http://bit.ly/1CXpct3