Celebrate Unity of a "Agricultural Harvest" ~ Kwanzaa 101 for the entire community

The Black Candle ~ Community Forum
3:00 p.m.
Our World Cultural Center
2251 Florin Road, Suite 20
Sacramento, CA 95822

Dr. Maya Angelou's thoughts on Kwanzaa, “The Black Candle.”

"Kwanzaa is a time when we honor our heritage, give special thanks for the harvest of good in our lives. We remember our glorious past, and celebrate the best of what it means to be who we are. It is a time when we gather in the spirit of family and community, to celebrate life, love, unity, and hope."

"Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture. Each year Kwanzaa brings millions of families together to celebrate 7 days of African American traditions, stories, poetry, music, and food."

"Today Kwanzaa is the fastest growing holiday's, with more then 20 million celebrants around the world."

"We are all shaped in the image of the creator, and we are all capable of righteousness in discipline and practice. Let us have faith in ourselves, in our creator, in our mothers and fathers, in our grandmothers and grandfathers, in our elders, in our youth, and in our future."

"While Kwanzaa's roots are embedded in Africa's rich soil, its broad branches and colorful leaves grew from the African American experience, and later found expression throughout the worldwide African communities. From the depths of our struggles, to the heights of our victories, even when faced with ferocious adversity, indeed it is our remarkable courage that brought about significant changes in every conceivable sphere of American life."

For more information on Kwanzaa watch the documentary The Black Candle, narrated by Dr. Angelou.
The DVD is available for purchase at http://www.theblackcandle.com

The Black Candle is a great teaching tool for educators. The definitive film on Kwanzaa, The Black Candle provides both historical depth and contemporary relevance. Below you'll find discussion questions, a glossary of terms, and a video assignment.

Discussion Questions about The Black Candle
1. What does the black candle represent?
2. What does Kiri Davis' film A Girl Like Me tell us?
3. What is the difference between cultural retentions and cultural creations?
4. What's the significance of the "Lift Every Voice and Sing" montage?
5. When and where was Kwanzaa first celebrated?
6. What was the social context in which Kwanzaa was created?
7. What are some of the factors that lead to Kwanzaa's growth?
8. What is the importance of the scene in Paris?

Glossary of Kwanzaa-related Terms in The Black Candle

Kwanzaa noun, African-American cultural holiday.
Bendera noun, flag, banner.
Harambee noun, cooperative society.
Habari gani? phrase, What's the news?
Imani noun, faith.
Karamu noun, banquet, feast.
Kikombe cha Umoja phrase, unity cup.
Kinara noun, candle holder.
Kiswahili noun, Swahili (ki- (language) + swahili (the Swahili region).
Kujichagulia noun, self-determination.
Kuumba noun, creativity.
Kwanza adjective, first.
Matunda ya Kwanzaa phrase, first fruits.
Mazao noun, produce (fruit, nuts, etc.).
Mkeka noun, mat.
Mishumaa Saba phrase, seven candles.
Mshumaa noun, pl mishumaa, candle.
Muhindi noun, maize plant (corn).
Nia noun, purpose.
Nguzo Saba phrase, seven principles
Nzuri Kwanzaa phrase, Good Kwanzaa
Swahili adjective, of the Swahili people or region.
Ujamaa noun, cooperative economics.
Ujima noun, neighborhood cooperation, collective work and responsibility.
Umoja noun, unity.
Zawadi noun, menento, present, gift.