Heri Za Kwanzaa!

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, a non-religious holiday in African-American culture. While it may not be widely formally celebrated, many people celebrate at least some aspects of Kwanzaa.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa emphasize values of community building, mutual support, and progress. Their names are expressed in Swahili: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).

(Click image to go to the official Kwanzaa website)

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Shadow and Act posted a brief article featuring a video series debunking Kwanzaa myths. And this year the USPS featured another Forever stamp with a Kwanzaa theme.

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And According to Blavity’s Trey Mangum, we MUST see this episode of The Proud Family:

Whether you celebrate a little or a lot, or simply observe by pausing for thoughtful reflection during this time, may your holiday be a time for reconnection and renewal.

Happy Nature’s New Year!

In the Northern Hemisphere, days will grow longer after today, and overall our moods will trend towards an upswing, even though it will be colder and stormier for a while.