Celebrate Kwanzaa

'Twas the night before Kwanzaa and all through the land,

The Seven Principles of that week were scheduled to go on as planned.


From the very first day, Umoja, which means Unity,

It's a time for all to come together,

For an event that's always free.


The second day, Kujichagulia, espouses Self-Determination,

It says your future isn't happenstance,

But can be controlled by your education.


The third day, Ujima, stands for Collective Work and Responsibility,

No more "you" or "I" but coming together

To form the combined strength of "we."


The fourth day, Ujama, means Cooperative Economics,

Pool our resources together

And make believers out of cynics.


The fifth day, Nia, tells us we have a Purpose,

To those who work to defeat our goals

Their actions should be called Judas.


The sixth day, Kuumba, celebrates Creativity,

That our talents, gifts and ingenuity

Have never had a set limit or boundary.


The seventh and final day, Imani, is about our Faith,

For we exist in this universe

As a small part of God's estate.


If you have never taken the opportunity to celebrate Kwanzaa, give it a try this year. The seven principles are ones that everybody in the entire world can embrace. Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren will host its 15th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration this year for the entire seven days. This year's event is titled, "Honoring our Elders for Preserving our Cultural Heritage." The event is free and open to the public with plenty of free parking. I'll be there for all seven days so come out and meet me, pick up a copy of my book and celebrate the season.