Kwanzaa: A Family Affair


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A Kwanzaa Miracle


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The Story of Kwanzaa


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The Childrens' Book of Kwanzaa:
A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday


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Happy Kwanzaa!

Review by Ethel-Lonniell Williams

It's nearing the time of year when you may hear the phrase, "Kwanzaa yenu iwe heri!" (Happy Kwanzaa!). The celebration known as Kwanzaa was created in 1966, 30 years ago, by Dr. Maulana Karenga of California. This seven-day, non-religious festival (December 26-January 1) for families celebrates a blend of African and American history and customs and is based upon seven principles with the Swahili name of Nguzo Saba. The principles are: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). The language used is Swahili because it is spoken in many areas of the African continent.

With these principles in mind, Kwanzaa becomes a time to reflect on one's past and the history of African Americans. It is also a time for introspection and taking an honest look at the present. Finally, it is a time for setting attainable goals for the future. Kwanzaa has become a time of anticipation for individuals, families, extended families, and especially children.

In the past 30 years, Kwanzaa has grown steadily. Four new books on the topic have been released this year, each dealing with the celebration in a different way.

  • Kwanzaa: A Family Affair, written by Mildred Pitts Walter, illustrated by Cheryl Carrington (Avon, $3.99, 0380727358), is a small, very affordable paperback brimming over with facts, rituals, ideas, gifts, games, and recipes to make a family Kwanzaa celebration memorable. Perfect for ages 8­12, this book makes a great stocking stuffer.

  • You will want to share A Kwanzaa Miracle (Troll, $2.95, 0816741824) with many children (African American and others) because it emphasizes the fine art of listening. Written by Sharon Shavers Gayle and illustrated by Frank Norfleet, this paperback picture book stresses communication and is ideal for reading and discussing with young children. The story encourages children to believe that family and extended family members are people who should be listened to and deserve patience.

  • The vibrant colors used by illustrator Steven Taylor in The Story of Kwanzaa (HarperCollins, $14.95, 0060248181, ages 6­10) are guaranteed to capture any child's interest and imagination. Author Donna L. Washington recounts the origin of Kwanzaa and African American history. This book offers a wonderful opportunity for parents, older relatives, and teachers to read and discuss Kwanzaa with children.

  • The Children's Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday (Athenuem, $16, 068980864X, ages 7­up) is an excellent resource book. Crammed with illustrations, historical facts, crafts, gift ideas, recipes, how-tos, where-tos, a glossary, a bibliography, and a planner, this book makes a perfect family/hostess gift. It would also be a terrific donation to a school library.

    Ethel-Lonniell M. Williams is a middle school librarian in Nashville, Tennessee, who encourages family reading times.

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