Kwanzaa: A Needed Holiday For Growth

As we conclude another year and begin planning for Kwanzaa and the new year it will welcome in, there is a cloud of uncertainty that hangs over America and the African American Community.

For eight years, something unprecedented had taken place. America was being led by a man who’s DNA reflected two major ethnic groups in the country. President Barack Obama brings both European and African background to his presidency. It is my belief that this makes him able to see both sides of an argument that still burns brightly in America, to it’s detriment. President Obama has been a steady healing hand in a divisive environment.

Unfortunately, there are many who see his presidency as a threat to their values and background. Why? Because his presidency validates  that the country IS diverse and that power does not necessarily need to be in one group’s hands. For the first time in the history of this country, White AND Black children could dream to become president. It would not only be a “dream”, there was possibility of it become a reality.

If diversity were the norm in the country, if these past 8 years were not just the exception, but the rule, cultural traditions might not be as urgently needed. But diversity is NOT the norm. African American  kids hear and see daily events that leave them to question their value. We don’t have to cite the examples, you know them. You see them. You talk about them in private. The question is what to do about this situation.

It is my belief that Kwanzaa can be an effective, spiritual and loving way of rebuilding communities that have been torn apart from decades of racism endured. The Principles of Kwanzaa are essential to African American child development. If utilized with love, these principles can help their self confidence and yield success in building and maintaining thriving neighborhoods and businesses.

Self Esteem Is Not A Given

In the above video, children view dolls of different races and are asked questions about them. A disturbing trend emerged with most of the children that participated in this study. Children believed the dark doll was more prone to violence, was essentially bad and not trustworthy. In the meantime, the lighter skinned doll was better looking, trustworthy and generally nicer. Should these opinions come only from those who have lighter complexions, although a bit disturbing, it would be understandable because that individual may be favoring someone who looked more like them. What is disturbing is that this opinion comes from those who have the same complexion as the darker skinned doll. They consider themselves or those who look like them as not valued members of society. This is not healthy.

Thoughts like these signal low self esteem. Good self esteem does not come naturally. It must be created through images, conversation and nurturing. Children are sponges and soak up what they see. If a child sees itself and those that look like him/her in a positive light, they will associate themselves with that positiveness.

If however, a child sees those that look like them in a negative light, they will look at themselves (or act out) in a negative way as well.  The Principles of Kwanzaa are designed to help bring positive energy and productivity to African American people. When one has good self esteem, the results are a more vibrant society as a whole.

Kwanzaa Principles in Today’s World

The time for our children to learn and implement the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa is now. When we look at African American communities, we find more consumerism than entrepreneurism. By focusing on the Principle of Kwanzaa, not just talking about them but effective implementing them in our daily lives, we will teach children that this is a way of life and like walking, it will become second nature.

Implementing these principles will help explain to children WHY they go to school and WHY school is relevant to their future. When something is relevant to you, you focus on it. Today’s grade school children are tomorrow’s leaders of business. It all starts with self esteem. A love of self. When you love yourself, you are better able to love someone else and become an effective member of society.

Let’s make this Kwanzaa the beginning of a new spirit for our children. Let’s make it fun, loving and build that self esteem necessary to build a successful future.