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 HAPPY
KWANZAA
A message from Kirk McLemore
KCOP/Los Angeles
December 17th, 2001
 Kwanzaa,
is an African-American celebration of cultural reaffirmation,
and is one of the fastest-growing holidays in the history of
the world. It took root 30 years ago, when graduate student
Maulana Karenga, disturbed by the 1965 riots in Los Angeles'
Watts area, decided that African-Americans needed an annual
event to celebrate their differences rather than the melting
pot. Not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa is, rather, a seven-day
celebration that begins on Dec. 26 and continues through Jan.
1 based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for
each day of the observance. And now a Kwanzaa wish from Kirk
McLemore....
 Kwanzaa
is a meaningful and encouraging growth of self-determination,
community pride and success.
We exchange the gifts with members of our immediate family and
children are the focal point of this part of the Kwanzaa celebration.
The acceptance of the gift implies a moral obligation to fulfill
the promise of the gift and view the parent as a positive role
model.
Many of us strive to make Kwanzaa a year long affair. Often
after enjoying the spiritual aspects of the celebration people
are encouraged to start coops, time shares and other things
that can benefit and bring unity into the community.
Kwanzaa is a personal celebration that should be shared. To
get full benefit of the communal aspects of the event it is
recommended that two or more people observe the occasion together.
Many people who are looking for a way of establishing their
own family customs are setting time aside for the evening of
December 26th to observe the seven principles.
"Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. " May y'alls Kwanzaa be with happiness
!
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