Be Inspired to Celebrate Kwanzaa

There are some wonderful sites that can inspire you to create your own holiday traditions for Kwanzaa from art to food.

For a film on Kwanzaa visit The Black Candle


For inspiration on creative dishes check out Kwanzaa Culinarians.  This site is devoted to the celebration of Kwanzaa.

Black Eye Peas with Wild Brown Rice Risotto

Creating food that is healthy and delicious is more than possible with Bryant Terry, chef, author and activist.

Dishes Inspired by Terry Bryant

For gifts, how about the gift of laughter? Try the works of cartoonist Jerry Craft.  Mama's Boyz comic books and his children's books make wonderful gifts for Kwanzaa.

For toys visit  The Brownstone Playhouse. This site offers handcrafted one of a kind dolls, Brownstone Playhouses, and furniture.

Looking for a baby doll for the little lady in your life check out Positively Perfect Dolls for an array of African American dolls.  Dolls are now being sold in selected Walmarts.

Why Celebrate Kwanzaa? Umoja the First Day

Many of us in the hood are so electronically hooked up that we have become an island unto ourselves but kwanzaa is that time of year that reminds us that we are a family and a community. As the saying goes "No man is an island," we are all connected. Gentrification, downsizing, unemployment and a host of other issues have hit our communities hard. As we enter 2013, the principles of Kwanzaa are tools that we and our children can use to build community. The Theme for 2012 found on the official website is Kwanzaa Us and the Well Being of the World: A Courageous Questioning.  Here are the Nguzo Saba Seven Principles of Kwanzaa


Umoja (Unity)
Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

Nia (Purpose)
Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

Kuumba (Creativity)
Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

Imani (Faith)
Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.