December 26 ~  All in the Heart Kwanzaa & Me: Teacher's Story

"All that is in the heart is written in the face." ~ African Proverb

The African-American tradition of Kwanzaa

The non-religious African-American tradition of Kwanzaa is celebrated in the U.S. for the next seven days. Developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga (1941-), professor of Africana studies at Cal State Long Beach in 1966, Kwanzaa (Swahili matunda ya kwanza, or "first fruits") evolved from the African agricultural harvest celebration.

Each day of Kwanzaa has a special spiritual theme, based on Nguzo Saba (the seven guiding principles), which include:

Kwanzaa, a time of reaffirming African-American ancestors and culture, celebrates the oneness and goodness of life.

As Olympic hero Jesse Owens advised about honoring life, "Find the good. It's all around you. Find it, showcase it, and you'll start believing in it." 

affirmation: readCelebrations unify hearts.