Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26 through January 1. It is a holiday to commemorate African heritage, during which participants gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and to light a series of black, red, and green candles.
The colors have symbolic meanings. The black candle represents the African people, the red candles symbolize their struggles, and the green represents hope for the future. The number of candles represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These candles symbolize the seven basic values of African-American family life: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Other symbols of the holiday, include the mkeka (a special placemat), kinara (candleholder), and kikombe cha umoja (unity cup). We Are Here Lit! Have two books to feed your Soul, Identity & Heritage!
The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi and Illustrated by Loveis Wise, create a bridge for young people to understand the connection between us, our heritage, and Kwanzaa, beautifully. Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams reframes our history by claiming 'while our ancestors’ freedom was taken from them, their spirit was not'. This book shares our determination and brilliance IN SPITE our circumstances. Purchase the titles from your local or online Black bookstore or pick them as from your local library and share a read-aloud with a young person with these insightful, empowering titles. Links to your local library and bookstore are located in the bio! |
AuthorSWE ARE HERE will provide you book reviews, discussions, news, and programming about literature and literacy by and about Black males. This site will also feature vlog conversations on topics related to the promoting literacy and voice for Black boys and young men. Archives
May 2023
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