Kwanzaa gift giving underscores and highlights the imperative of education and learning. The guidelines for Kwanzaa gift giving are straightforward: the only mandatory gift for Kwanzaa is gift giving is not mandatory a book and heritage symbol. (See Kwanzaa DVD). Below is a list of recommended books for Kwanzaa gift giving. New Books Of...
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Brothers and friends. I am Toussaint L ‘Ouverture, my name is perhaps known to you. I have undertaken vengeance. I want Liberty and Equality to reign in San Domingo. I work to bring them into existence. Unite yourselves to us, brothers, and fight with us for the same cause, ect. “Your Very humble and...
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Introduction The liberation movements in southern Africa- South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe- all owe their freedom to Shaka of the Zulu nation.  In fact, the colonial history of Africa may have been forestalled or defeated had it not been for the unfortunate and untimely assassination of Shaka.  Shaka was more than just...
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The contribution of African military commanders and warriors is yet another missing page in history. The names Hannibal, Sonni Ali Ber, Shaka Zulu, Toussiant L’Ouverture, Harriet Tubman, Queen Nzingha, Amílcar Cabral, are never mention as a part of the pantheon of military leaders who shaped military science. Yet, all of the military leaders mentioned...
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The study and celebration of African American History is a central component of Kwanzaa. The Kwanzaa symbol, the mat or mkeka (Swahili), is symbolic of the tradition and history of African Americans both here in America and on the continent of Africa. As Malcolm X so brilliantly put it, “History is a people’s memory,...
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Michelle and I send warm wishes to all those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. This is a joyous time of year when African Americans and all Americans come together to celebrate our blessings and the richness of our cultural traditions. This is also a time of reflection and renewal as we come to the...
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The current debate over educational excellence, characterized by President Obama’s Race to the Top, overlooks one of the most inspiring and compelling models of teaching and African American educational excellence-Dunbar High School, located in Washington D.C. What is now called a typical “ghetto” school was once the pride of the race, out performing in...
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Although Kwanzaa is a cultural and not religious holiday, those who practice the Christian Faith in America, can use the principles of Kwanzaa to build and enhance their families and  communities, and elevate the political dialogue on issues of importance to all Americans.  Hence, 7 days before the start of Kwanzaa, we offer this...
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The election of Barack Obama has obscured the tragic and ugly side of what is happening in poor and working African America neighborhoods, especially to young black men. As Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow points out, “today an astounding percentage of the African American community is warehoused in prisons or trapped...
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African Americans have always been conflicted with the 4th of July celebration. Barack Obama, first black president of the United States, noted in his “A More Perfect Union” speech in Philadelphia, March 2008: Two hundred and twenty one years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered...
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