It's been forty-one years and for some reason a debate between celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa continues. Why? For the betterment of our community, we should follow the Nugzo Saba (Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) anyway.

Black people are not monolithic. Blacks follow various religious practices. Kwanzaa is a means of unifying Blacks, without using traditional religion and political beliefs, to celebrate family, community and businesses. True, Kwanzaa founder, Maulana Ron Karenga, is of a questionable background but he does not detract from the positivity and progress that Kwanzaa promotes.

My organization, the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association is in its 17th year of celebrating Kwanzaa. Over the years the event grew from a small, private celebration to the largest community celebration in Miami. It is a labor of love (Isn't that what Kwanzaa is all about?) as it is free to all in the community. The building and technical staff are provided by the county, food is provided by our organization and performers participate at no charge. I wish that I had the words to explain the beauty of the evening. My wish is that the evening could be captured and repeated throuhout the year.

There is no need to choose between Kwanzaa or Christmas. Inarguably, the principles of Kwanzaa - unity, self-determination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith should be practiced by all.

If you will be in South Florida on Friday, December 29, 2006, you are invited to attend this year's celebration. Feel free to bring your family and friends. Habari gani!

[Click on picture above to enlarge event flyer!]

© 2006 VANESSA BYERS, Vanessa: Unplugged