Kwanzaa isn't a replacement for Christmas or even Hanukkah. Kwanzaa has nothing to do with religion and while some may twist it to be political, in its nature it is not. Kwanzaa is not the tool of its creator. Kwanzaa has a life of its own. Kwanzaa is about the spirit of people - all people regardless of color or race. Kwanzaa is a holiday of the human spirit - not the divine. The two were meant to co-exist peacefully.

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Added by Veronica Serbanoiu
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We have religious holidays and we have secular holidays. I see Kwanzaa as an opportunity for African-Americans to reaffirm ourselves if we choose to, a chance to rebuild and renew our focus. I see Kwanzaa as a holiday of the spirit.

quote by Jessica Harris
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Kwanzaa is a holiday that should be celebrated by everyone, not just the black community.

quote by Jacqui Lewis
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Kwanzaa is a pan-African celebration of heritage and culture and family and community. The principles and the manner of observing the holiday lift up traditional values that are key to our lives.

quote by Janine Bell
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Our children need the sense of specialness that comes from participating in a known and loved ritual. They need the mastery of self-discipline that comes from order. They need the self-awareness that comes from a knowledge of their past. They need Kwanzaa as a tool for building their future and our own.

quote by Jessica Harris
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The seven principles of Kwanzaa - unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith - teach us that when we come together to strengthen our families and communities and honor the lesson of the past, we can face the future with joy and optimism.

quote by Bill Clinton
Added by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Holidays Celebrated

Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding...
Ramadan begins with a fast that cleanses.
At least 10 days when this begins.
The Muslims practice this with faith.
A faith for them without an end.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding.
Dong.
Ding. ..

So many wish for Santa Claus,
To gift them with a tax write off!
And those who celebrate the days of Kwanzaa,
Do this when Christmas has gone.
Ding.

[...] Read more

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Thankful I Am To Witness Another Christmas

I am up and feeling blessed.
Thankful I am to witness another Christmas.
And honored to have lived to experience Kwanzaa.

And as I listen to a local radio station,
Do a live 'feed' from a nearby church.
The crispness of the music played by the orchestra...
Seems to be purposely drowning out the vocals,
Performed by soloists...
Who sound as if marbles are in their mouths.
And destroying every Christmas carol I loved as a child!
Singing with a grandeur and pomp that poops.

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa!

From the shallow shopping days,
Of Christmas spent.
And gifts selected...
To induce an increased seduction.
With the onslaught of ornament productions.

May they take these memories...
And wish those feelings that excited them,
Remain.
Especially during times...
That find all who cherish these 'things'.
Keep within their hearts to discover...
The thankfulness and joy,
Others to them bring!

Merry Christmas!
Happy Kwanzaa!
And joyous times to those,
Who are grateful and know...
They are among the blessed!

[...] Read more

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture

When a snowman winks his eyes of coal,
And from their windows children know...
Magic's in the air.
And they wish they are on Santa's list.
As children everywhere wish this.

The Christmas Trees that are trimmed with them,
Excites with the bright lights shining.
Dining festively on treats...
Will be remembered year to year.
This and every Christmas.

Joyous Eid al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice)
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Merry Christmas...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Happy Chanukah...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'
Happy Kwanzaa...
'A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture'

[...] Read more

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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