Customer Reviews

Kwanzaa Keepsake

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Ms. Harris' book, "A Kwanzaa Keepsake: Celebrating the Holiday With New Traditions and Feasts," is excellent. I knew nothing about Kwanzaa when I picked it up but felt as though I had been thoroughly introduced to a marvelous seven-day series of ceremonies, feasts and celebrations. I came away with a great deal of respect for Kwanzaa and the seven principles behind it. It is unfortunate, however, that the creator of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga, felt it necessary to discriminate against all but African Americans, for all mankind would benefit from participating in this moving celebration. We could all stand to be affirmed and reaffirmed as members of our families, our communities and our cultures on an annual basis.

Jessica B. Harris is a "Professor of English in New York City and a culinary consultant." She has written many other books such as The Africa Cookbook: Tastes of a Continent, High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America, Sky Juice and Flying Fish: Traditional Caribbean Cooking, Iron Pots & Wooden Spoons: Africa's Gifts to New World Cooking, Beyond Gumbo : Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim, and The World Beauty Book: How We Can All Look and Feel Wonderful Using the Natural Beauty Secrets of Women of Color.

She writes in a prefatory page to this 1995 book, "May the principles of Kwanzaa reinforce the values of our families and keep all of our children, those of the womb and those of the heart, also."

Here are some quotations from the book:

"Kwanzaa... is not designed as an alternative to or replacement for any of the holidays. Kwanzaa may be celebrated jointly with any or all of the year-end holidays. More importantly, it also offers a time for reflection and self-affirmation, in contrast with the rampant commercialism that has overtaken some of the other holidays." (Pg. 13-14)

"(C)elebrants are open to find the way to the holiday that best expresses their individuality. Some followers of Kwanzaa fast from sunrise to sunset during the seven days, as with the Muslim Ramadan." (Pg. 15)

"Because Kwanzaa aims to avoid the crass commercialism that has overtaken the other year-end festivities, handmade gifts are also particularly appropriate, whether made by the giver or by other African-Americans. Again, as with all Kwanzaa purchases, in purchasing Kwanzaa zawadi, the principle of Ujamaa should be kept in mind. With Kwanzaa symbols and handmade Kwanzaa gifts, the principle of Kuumba should be kept in the foremost." (Pg. 21)