Kwanza Primer:
Kwanzaa is a celebration "created" by Dr. Maulana Karenga, and is, according to the official Kwanzaa website, "a celebration of family, community, and culture. The name Kwanzaa is from a Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits." First Fruits traditions date back to Ancient Egypt and Nubia, and include five "fundamental activities": ingathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment, and celebration.
Holiday-Themed Song of the Day: "All Purpose Carol":
By Tom Chapin, from
Making Good Noise (Gadfly Records, 2003).
Strange Kwanzaa Factoid:
2005's Kwanzaa theme is "Kwanzaa: A Season of Celebration, Meditation and Recommitment."
Kwanzaa Symbol of the Day: Umoja:
Umoja stands for unity.
Gift of the Day:
One Grain of Sand by Odetta (Vanguard, 1963). Odetta is one of the most important African-American folk singers, and her discography is a must-have for anyone interested in the integration of folk, roots, and blues.
