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Overview
It’s Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. Activities at the end of the book include making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes.
Describes the traditions and customs of Kwanzaa and includes crafts and recipes.
Synopsis
It’s Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. Activities at the end of the book include making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes.
Kirkus Reviews
Washington's first book tells about the seven-day festival that begins on December 26 and celebrates the bounty of the earth (Kwanzaa means "first fruits" in Swahili) and teaches seven principles or beliefs—one for each day.
Background comes in a brief history of Africans before slavery, slavery in America, the secession of the South and the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and the 1966 birth of the holiday. The seven principles teach African and African-American heritage, but they also reflect universal principles that everyone can live by. Bold, realistic illustrations are set off by elegant borders of African fabrics and designs. At the end are instructions on making a cow tail switch and a recipe for benne cakes. A fine primer on a holiday that is fast gaining recognition.
Editorials
Kirkus Reviews
Washington's first book tells about the seven-day festival that begins on December 26 and celebrates the bounty of the earth (Kwanzaa means "first fruits" in Swahili) and teaches seven principles or beliefs—one for each day.Background comes in a brief history of Africans before slavery, slavery in America, the secession of the South and the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and the 1966 birth of the holiday. The seven principles teach African and African-American heritage, but they also reflect universal principles that everyone can live by. Bold, realistic illustrations are set off by elegant borders of African fabrics and designs. At the end are instructions on making a cow tail switch and a recipe for benne cakes. A fine primer on a holiday that is fast gaining recognition.