Counting The Days of Kwanzaa: The Power of Words

The fifth principle of Kwanzaa is Nia: Purpose

Words have their own creative energy.  I realize this years ago, when my son was little I tried to correct his school work by critiquing  all his mistakes with little success. We argued a lot and he was not listening to any suggestions. Finally I got discouraged and was ready to give up. Then one day he showed me a project he was working on but instead of criticism I just exclaimed "Beautiful!"  That one word was like magic he started beaming and later opened up about his school work. My first intentions were good but since then I have learned that positive input works better. And I also realized that I was the only one to give him words of encouragement.

We often say some hurtful things to each other but embracing positive words is also a part of our heritage. In African praise songs, words are used by the community to empower warriors before they go into battle. They sing songs that describe the strength, valor and wisdom of the young men. Today when we send our children to school or out to work they are entering a battle zone and need that same empowerment and support to succeed.  The fourth principle of Kwanzaa: Nia: Purpose gives us an opportunity to examine how we communicate and empower each other. Today we have an opportunity to spread words that light up our hearts, our community and the world.

For inspiration on the principle of Nia read Donavan's Word Jar to a young person. This is the story of a young boy who loves words and collects them in a jar. Then give them a word jar describing their best qualities.  Here are a few words to add to their jar:

supportive              kind                              attentive                         cooperative

stimulating            enthusiastic                  perceptive                       wise

warm                    reassuring                    encouraging                    dependable

loyal                     thoughtful                    considerate                     influential

affectionate          vital                             tactful                             zestful

helpful                 accepting                    refreshing                       inclusive

thorough            valuable                      sensitive                          consistent

creative             curious                        intuitive                           resourceful

leader               directive                      tender                             responsible

alive                 steadfast                     forthright                        reasonable

loving              insightful                    energetic                        uplifting

honest              trusting                      friendly                           right on

careful             positive                    useful                              observant

sympathetic     aware                       neat                                  cool

delightful        empathetic               inspiring                          zealous

clever             reliable                     open                                 astute

funny             optimistic                free                                    organized

careful

Counting The Days of Kwanzaa: Zawadi Stories of Gift Giving

The fourth principle of Kwanzaa is Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics

When I was growing up, silver coins were one of the gifts children in the family received during Christmas.  Silver dollars were easy gifts to give especially when there were lots of children. We were expected to keep them as a small investment that would hopefully grow in value. Sometimes the coins were old, and had monetary and historic value. This was my first introduction to coin collecting.

The US Mint explains why people have an interest in coin collecting,  “Throughout human history, civilizations have told the story of their people through their coins. Today, they still communicate their values and ideals on coins, using symbols and mottos to represent who they are to anyone holding them. As you dive into the world of coin collecting, you’ll discover the wealth of symbolism and the stories that societies wanted to pass on to future generations. You’ll discover the values they cherished, the ideas they celebrated, and the heroes who helped guide their people to where they are today.”

The Lady Liberty coin was the first depiction of an African American woman by the United States Mint, and was created in 2017 to mark their 225th anniversary. For serious collectors the 2017 edition of the coin will only be sold in gold and silver until the end of this year. However the 2018 edition of the coin will continue to be sold.

Since I am not a collector, I don't know if the coins will have any monetary value but they do have historical significance. The US Mint also has coins of Barak Obama, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Gifts for Kwanzaa are called Zawadi and they are supposed to have special meaning. "These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children." Gifts that invest in our children's future can be symbolic but they can also have monetary value like setting up an educational fund for college or gifting classes in technology to a young person.  These are the gifts that our children may not thank us for today but will appreciate in the future.

Counting The Days of Kwanzaa: Reinventing Soul Food

The third principle of Kwanzaa is Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility.

Holiday traditions are handed down from generation to generation, and connect us as a family and community. Kwanzaa is about sharing new traditions with family and friends. In this new age celebrating holidays also means finding ways to come together in a healthy way. Even while celebrating we now have to find ways to address issues like heart disease, diabetes and the mental stress that plague our community. Many of our problems start at the table with the foods we eat. How can we turn the statistics around?

I remember the irreverent quip from Boondocks about the movie Soul Food. “ Then, she (Big Mama) dies from a heart attack or another stroke or somethin'. And what does the family do after she dies? They get together for a Sunday dinner and eat the same food that just killed Big Mama. The *same* food. They didn't learn a lesson, nobody went on a diet, and that's the end of the movie.”

This thought has always bothered me because food especially Soul food has always been the heart of the family and community. There is so much emotion, history and love attached to the food we eat.  Truthfully, soul food can be healthy when prepared right. Traditional soul food consisted of food freshly picked from the garden like beans, corn, okra, greens, yams and watermelon. Author, renown chef and food justice activist  Bryant Terry provides healthy alternatives to the way we prepare soul food in his cookbook, Afro-Vegan.   "In Afro-Vegan, (he) reworks and remixes the favorite staples, ingredients, and classic dishes of the African Diaspora to present more than 100 wholly new, creative culinary combinations that will amaze vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike."  Check out his books for inspiration.

Today be inspired to watch the documentary, Soul Food Junkies and share with family and community.   Soul Food Junkies explores the role food has played in the lives of Black families, raising many questions and offering some alternatives. Hopefully, watching this will start a conversation and an incentive to start creating a healthy lifestyle. We should revamp our favorite family recipes because good health is what we really want to pass down to our next generation.

Counting The Days of Kwanzaa: Share the New Kwanzaa Stamp

The second principle of Kwanzaa is Kujichagulia: Self-Determination.

To begin Kwanzaa 2018, check out Floyd Cooper's art work celebrating Kwanzaa and the Black family. He has created this year's forever postal stamp for Kwanzaa. You are going to want to share these stamps with family and friends and then check out Floyd's other works at:

/https://www.harpercollins.com/author/cr-100532/floyd-cooper/

Counting The Days of Kwanzaa: Honoring the Principles

The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja: Unity

Kwanzaa is that holiday we talk about a lot but tend to forget to celebrate enough.  In the mad rush to celebrate the week between Christmas and New Years, this holiday gets pushed to the side with a greeting of Happy Kwanzaa or if we are more enlightened with the question, Habari gani? But there are a lot of reasons to recognize this holiday. First of all celebrations are great fun. Especially a holiday that brings us together to celebrate our culture and heritage. The end of the year is a good time to connect to our values and principles as a family and a nation. Especially after a year when our moral judgement has been challenged.  Think of Kwanzaa as that special time each year that gives us a fresh new look into who we are as a people. This year's theme is “Embracing the Principles and Practice of Kwanzaa: Creating and Celebrating the Good.” At a time when principles and integrity have been pushed aside, The Nguzo Saba: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa reminds us that everyone should live by principles every day. Our goal should always be to leave the world a better place.

For seven days Maple Sugar Child wants to help you stay ahead of the holiday week so that you can celebrate Kwanzaa. Enjoy our culture, history, philosophy, art and music. Each day we will share an inspirational story or message to remind you that this holiday is special.

Newsone IS Mapping Black Santa Claus: Where To Find St. Nicks Of Color

Meet Santa Larry from the Mall of America

https://www.thesantaexperiencemn.com/the-santas/santa-larry/

Updated from an earlier post

Looking for a Black Santa just became easier with Newsone's Santa Finder.  Where is Black Santa? Now families can track down a St. Nick of color across the country. From the Pacific northwest to rural Georgia, and a handful of spots in between, the U.S. has more Black Santas on deck than ever before. Visit Newsone to find a Black Santa in your area.  In conyers, Ga check out http://therealblacksanta.com/contact/http://therealblacksanta.com/contact/

The Lion King Trailer: Coming Summer 2019

Check out this trailer for the new version of The Lion King scheduled for a summer release.

Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

The Debbie Allen Dance Academy presents the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. It’s Christmas Eve and the Johnson’s are having a grand party. The Christmas gifts are shared and young Kara receives a Nutcracker filled with hot chocolate – her favorite. She falls asleep and the journey begins when the Nutcracker comes alive!

Three wise cracking mice: Harvey, Schmink and Buckey take over the story. They are the three stooges incarnate from N.Y.C. who call themselves “The Real Rat Pack”. They go to many new lands of wonder: Candy Cane Land, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest/Bollywood, Jazzland, Russia, and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. With dazzling choreography, music and costumes, this is a holiday theater experience that all ages will enjoy!

At Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA on December 8 at 1:00 pm. and 7:00 pm. and December 9 at 2:00 pm. Call 866.811.4111.

Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

If you are in Washington, DC this holiday season enjoy Step Afrika's holiday performance. Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show is the most vibrant holiday celebration in town! This fun, family-friendly performance will have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to energetic beats from Step Afrika!

Check out Step Afrika's Holiday Celebration in Washington, D.C.  at the Atlas Performing Arts Center 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002 from December 14 - 30. Ticket price range from $25 for children to $5 for adults.

Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams

This holiday season, wishes do come true! Growing up, real-life brothers Bibi and Bichu wanted one thing: to someday join the circus. Now they're here to share their dream with you and your family at the New Victory Theater in New York City. Everyone will be grinning from ear to ear as agile tumblers ricochet around the stage, elastic contortionists twist into unfathomable shapes and expert jugglers exchange an endless array of objects. Let the infectious joy and effervescent energy of Ethiopia's astonishing circus artists warm your heart and inspire you to dream big.

As teens, brothers Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam caught sight of a teacher juggling oranges on the school playground, and after joining in the action the pair haven't stopped since. Inspired by their own childhood dreams of joining a circus, the duo has sponsored Circus Wingate, a circus school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, since 2010. There, they discovered the talented Konjowoch Troupe and formed Circus Abyssinia, the first Ethiopian circus made by and for Ethiopian artists.

They have traveled all over Europe with their troupe. Now see their performance at The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 646.223.3010 from November 30, 2018–December 30, 2018.

Celebrate Giving Tuesday

Now that we have celebrated Thanksgiving with family and friends and chased the bargains on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we can join the Global Giving Movement today. On Giving Tuesday we help others through the gift of our time, donations, goods or our voice. Learn more about what you can do to participate at https://www.givingtuesday.org/

For more suggestions on activities download the Kindness Calendar

This is Why We Vote, Let Your Voice Be Heard

Liyana Review

Last week I got to attend the opening of the movie "Liyana" in NYC. I thought it covered the very sensitive issue of children orphaned by AIDS with creativity and understanding. This is special if you get an opportunity check it out.

Liyana Review

Liyana is a gorgeous story where the landscape includes a documentary about five orphans living in Swaziland and an animated folk tale created  by them. When your country is peopled with over 100,000 children who are orphans growing up without their parents, one expects the stories told will be filled with strife, fear and hopelessness. Yet Liyana, the story created by the young people from Swaziland offers courage and healing, and a special look into the ravages of  a country plagued by AIDS.

In the documentary, Gcina Mhlophe, the leader and activist in a storytelling workshop guides the children whose lives have been colored by abuse, violence, hunger and AIDS to create a character that mirrors their own lives.  Liyana, the character they create is a good daughter. She is there for her mother when her twin brothers Thunder and Lightening are born, she cares for her mother when she gets sick and endures the violence of her father.  When her twin brothers are kidnapped she sets out with her beloved bull on a heroic journey to find them. This journey entails violence, hunger and despair along with brutal robbers, snapping crocodiles and a mean monster. The children are all to familiar with these obstacles so will they allow their heroine to overcome her trials or will she drown in despair?. With guidance from Mhlophe the children decide her fate, and in the process they create a powerful story that resonates with young and old.

In Liyana, the children "conjure a world of danger and enchantment that the directors (Amanda and Aaron Kopp) bring to life" while the animation from Nigerian artist Shofela Coker brings a visually rich and pictorial quality to the screen. Her sensual sunrise and lucious mangoes creates a world that is inviting despite the hardships of Liyana's life. The orphans' and Liyana's story are both touching and worth sharing. The film is on limited distribution in various locations so check their website for showings and distribution information.

www.liyanathemovie.com

We Celebrate International Day of the Girl

In 2011, the United Nations declared October 11 International Day of The Girl. The resolution stated, "Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence."  

Today women are releasing their fears and finding their voices. As we work to empower young women, this day allows us to celebrate their new strength, their resilience and their dreams.

Cardi B's Bronx Fairy Tale Features Books of Color

Sometimes celebrity lifestyles can be extravagant and over the top. At other times they can cause us to pause and think. Cardi B can definitely be over the top, but she seems to be liked by both old and young. Maybe, people admire her ability to be herself and follow her own dream. This year she had her baby against all the advice that it would ruin her career, then she canceled her tour and took time out to be a mother. I was impressed that her glitzy Real Bronx Fairy Tale themed baby shower showcased “Bardi Baby Book Library,” featuring classic Latina and African-American children’s books. Titles like Guess How Much I Love You?, Hip Hop Alphabet, I Am Enough and Islandborn graced the Bardi Baby bookshelves. All little Black and Latino child who come into this world deserve books with characters that look like them and reflect their culture. And a baby shower is a great place to start their book collection. 

Night School Review

In a time when media provide us with our daily dose of stress, Kevin Hart's new movie, "Night School" gives us an opportunity to take a break.  This is humor with a message. Teddy Walker played by Kevin Hart is looking for a second chance to correct some serious blunders.  For him a second chance involves going back to school for his GED.  Along the way there is a lot of funny banter between him and his classmates, and lots of slapstick between him and his teacher played by Tiffany Haddish. Hart uses his humor to address issues like learning disabilities, job inequality and the importance of being honest especially to yourself and your loved ones. So lessons are learned and messages sent to stay in school, cherish relationships, check your values and never give up. 

Although this movie is rated PG-13 there is some raunchy language so parental discretion is advised especially for younger children. Check out the trailers before going.

Happy Centennial Birthday, Mandela!

July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013

There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children. 

Nelson Mandela

The Black Panther Moves Toward Being the Third Largest Grossing Movie

The buzz was brewing for a long time, and now the anticipated movie is out and set to become the third-biggest domestic grossing movie of all time.   Welcome to Marvel's world of Wakanda based on the comic book, Black Panther. Since the opening of Roots, there has not been a project that has generated  the enthusiasm and passion of people for a Black film. With great cinematography, fabulous scenic design, and gorgeous costumes, Black Panther does not disappoint.

For ages, sci-fi movies were void of any Black characters.  Space travelers could roam from universe to universe, galaxy to galaxy, meet all kinds of strange characters but never run into a brother.  It seemed that Black people were not intended to be a part of the future.

There has been several attempts to bring Black superheroes and comic book characters to the big screen. Characters like Lieutenant Uhura, The Meteor Man, Storm, Orlando Crission, Blankman and Blade sparked an interest in developing Black sci-fi personalities

Finally Black Panther has answered the call for a Black superhero. Black Panther gives us a rich story line with a superhero, a mythical kingdom, an all women royal guard and a showcase of advanced technology.

This is the origin story of King T'Challah, the Black Panther.  With over 200 million dollars invested, this story shows the great creative potential of the Afro-futuristism movement. Using African folklore, pop sci-fi and an appealing sound track, the movie is a visual and sensual treat for movie goers.

For young people who thrive on superheroes, and outer worldly experiences, this maybe their first time encountering a Black superhero who hails from Africa. For parents the movie offers opportunity to dialogue about history.  Even though Black History Month is over, children can still learn about historic figures like Hannibal, Shaka Zulu, Mansa Musa and the Dahomey Amazons. The movie also provides further conversation on the role of women, family conflict,  the decisions we make, and the relationship between Africans and African Americans.

 There is no one movie that can address all the social problems. However, this movie opens up opportunities for  new discussions and questions. Black Panther gives us a lot to talk about, and we will be talking about it for a while.

Recommended for ages 12 + for violence.

Today We Remember the Dream: Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15,1929- April 4,1968)

Today we remember the life of a visionary and man of faith.  Martin Luther King, Jr believed that change was possible, and that our children would have a better life.  He understood the journey to the mountain top was long and hard so even after fifty years his words still resonate with us.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word"

How do we remember and honor Dr. King?  What do we tell our children? How do we teach them today to follow Dr. King's legacy to build and serve their community?

Doodle created by Cannaday Chapman for Google
Google celebrated the legacy of civil rights icon and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martin Luther King Jr. with a special Doodle that takes inspiration from his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.