Kwanzaa A Legacy of Black Agriculture in America

40 years of Kwanzaa is a milestone for All of America.

I am reminded of the ritual of a weeping American Baptist Church singing Amazing Grace.

The "slave master" who wrote the internationally famous song is forgiven by the most outspoken critics of Dr. Maulana Karenga. Xenophilia, is a love of everything foreign and is learned behavior transfered to most enslaved Africans "on into today" and certainly during the notion of "previous condition of servitude."

For most Black Men, in the current construct of our world there is no possiblility for grace for a Black Man, only a fraction, a small "piece of a piece of a man" is desired.

May the European Conquistador find his grace in his way to the creator of all things....

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

President Bush issued his annual Kwanzaa Message:

Presidential Message: Kwanzaa 2006

I send greetings to those observing Kwanzaa.

During the seven days of Kwanzaa leading up to the New Year, friends and family come together in a spirit of love and joy to honor their rich African heritage, reflect on the Seven Principles, and give thanks for the blessings of freedom and opportunity. Forty years after the first Kwanzaa, this hopeful occasion remains an opportunity to build the bonds of family, community, and culture and move ever closer to the founding promise of liberty and justice for all.

Our Nation is a better place because of the contributions African Americans have made to our strength and character over the generations. As you gather to celebrate your ancestry this Kwanzaa, I encourage you to take pride in your many achievements and look to the future with confidence in your abilities and faith in a brighter tomorrow.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous Kwanzaa and a blessed New Year.

GEORGE W. BUSH

President Bush understands better than most how to find grace and try again to do good.

It is far eaiser to "hate" Dr. Maulana Karenga for transforming his life from a Black Farm in Maryland into one of earths greatest International scholars, based upon a lifetime of service.

I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder, if deemed worthy, anywhere with Tiamoyo and Dr. Maulana Karenga to measure his service to a global community against anyone who casts a stone without a demonstrated capacity to be of use to the positive flow of humanity. His example of service without pay, fanfare or recognition is the best example of a "Black Man in Black Agriculture America"

May Kwanzaa become as it has always been, a celebration of the gifts our creator has given to us during a "first fruits" harvest celebration as long as the earth rotates and revolves around our sun.

Ashe'