Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day Book

In Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Everyday, Ms. Angaza leads the reader through a detailed description of how to observe Kwanzaa. One chapter includes dozens of recipes for traditional African foods or those from the African Diaspora. Another lists Kwanzaa songs and chants; yet another outlines how to celebrate a Kwanzaa karamu, or feast, usually held on the last day of the week with games, zawadi (a gift exchange), and opportunities for participants to share talents.

A cultural holiday rather than a religious one, Kwanzaa is centered around the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, of Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Each day of the week-long celebration focuses on a different one of these values as a method of reinforcing their importance throughout the year.

In the chapter "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa," Ms. Angaza first provides a general definition and explanation of each value, and then delves further into each for personal, spiritual applications. I particularly liked her meditations on Kuumba, or creativity. "To be human," she explains, "is to be granted an inheritance of infinite creativity." With that inheritance, however, is the responsibility to "learn to use our tools wisely, as thought is powerful and word is productive." Indeed, the challenge is "to be conscious creators, seeking to honor the divine within ourselves and inspiring others to seek their highest expression as well." In a later chapter, "Living and Working Kwanzaa All Year," Ms. Angaza provides specific suggestions for incorporating each Kwanzaa value into everyday life along with examples of some individuals and organizations that have exemplified each principle. For example, to practice Kuumba, she suggests setting consistent time aside to practice a craft, supporting artists in the community that create inspiring and uplifting works, trying something new, nurturing creativity in children, or deciding for yourself what you like rather than following the current trends.

Ms. Angaza encourages those who celebrate Kwanzaa to use the Nguzo Saba as a foundation for "the building of personal integrity and functional community." Kwanzaa, she asserts, is a time to "look within to determine where we are on our life's journey, where we stand in relation to our community, and what we've done to advance those values we hold highest." That sounds like a beneficial activity for anyone this time of year, whether or not you choose to observe Kwanzaa. Harambee!

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