“Potato Mash” is to the Western World as “Foufou” is to West Africans
As a kid, I remember having to learn the meaning of things through association with other similar things. It was a fun way to learn and is actually quite an … Continue reading
Family, Friends and Haitian Rice
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I am—well, I guess—I was the grinch. But, not in the obvious ways, and quite honestly this realization came to me as … Continue reading
Kwanzaa: Using Food and Heritage to Make Meaning
Those of us who celebrate Kwanzaa face a lot of ribbing, good natured and otherwise, often questioning the authenticity and meaning of the holiday. As they say in Nigeria, “Let … Continue reading
Ladies who Lunch, Make Kadak Chai
As I sit to write this, my mind is buzzing with thoughts from the excitement of the day. I am dying to share them with you. But I pause. Something … Continue reading
The Principled Baker + Orange Scented Cherry White Chocolate Cookies
Baking is a precise art. It’s about measurements, precise temperatures and timing. If any of these are the slightest bit off, your prize winning recipe can become a disaster. No … Continue reading
Guiding principles: Reflecting on Food, Identity and African-Diaspora Relations
Having been born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Kwanzaa is not a celebration I know much about. As I learn about the related principles and practices, I reflect on how … Continue reading
African Jewel Rooibos Tea Cake
The principle of Ujamaa-Cooperative economics, to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and profit from them together, is one that has been ever present in my … Continue reading
Life and Collard Greens
Life is all about community. If you were touched by something someone said or did for you and you haven’t done it yet… stop. Stop right now and let them … Continue reading
Understanding Kujichagulia: A Journey Into Self-Awareness
We face neither East nor West; we face Forward. by Kwame Nkrumah Kujichagulia (pron: koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah) is the guiding principle of the second day of Kwanzaa. Defined as self-determination, it affirms … Continue reading
Black People, Obama and the Kwanzaa Dilemma
This article is republished with the author’s, Albert Phillips, permission. It was originally posted here. As we slowly ease off the uneasy stomachs caused by Thanksgiving and the overdrawn bank accounts … Continue reading
Kwanzaa Culinarians 