The Kwanzaa symbols

January 30, 2013
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Kwanzaa has seven basic symbols and two added ones. Each represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and promote community cohesion: The Crops (Mazao)
These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labour. The Mat (Mkeka)
This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which.. read more →

The Kwanzaa principles

January 30, 2013
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A principle is a rule or law that governs conduct in a given situation. The Nguzo Saba are the set of principles/values by which African people are encouraged to follow in order to live their lives. Day 1: December 26th UMOJA (UNITY) (oo-MOE-jah) Definition – To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation.. read more →

Five facts about Kwanzaa

January 30, 2013
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From 26th December to 1st January NBA will be sharing various information about Kwanzaa- here are five facts to start the proceedings… 1. It was created by Dr Maulana Karenga  and was first celebrated in 1966. Karenga created Kwanzaa as the first African holiday. Karenga said his goal was to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give.. read more →

Introducing the kitchen bitch

January 30, 2013
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This ingenious piece of engineering is called a ‘kitchen bitch’ and is used as an oil lamp in the poorer parts of Jamaica. Jamaica is accustomed to the odd power cut and the kitchen bitch was invented to remedy the black out.This quirky item is a prime example of how resourceful Jamaican people are because.. read more →

Bridging the generation gap

January 30, 2013
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NBA worked in-conjunction with Afro-Caribbean National Artistic centre to deliver the Intergenerational Project from April to June 2011. NBA interviewed elderly and young members of the Black Community to ask how we can bridge the generation gap. To mark the end of this hugely successful project NBA organised an Intergenerational Dialogue event where the elders.. read more →