Faith in Transition and a Dominican Mangú Recipe
January 1. We made it to see this day. It’s that pivotal date when all things new are embraced and our efforts at finding that balance which optimizes our lives … Continue reading
Nia: A Reflection on the Purpose Driven Life
As we prepare to enter 2013, Kwanzaa principles ask us to reflect on the past, honoring our ancestors and thanking them for their wisdom, strength, and courage. 2012 — the … Continue reading
Pearl’s Fried Corn
I grew up eating good old Southern food. Fried foods, decadent desserts, fattening casseroles–you know the foods that just make you lose control. When I revamped my diet many years … Continue reading
Ms. Ginny is My Grandmother
My maternal grandmother, Mrs. Earcie Bodiford Ginwright, a life-long Alabamian, taught me more about African values than my African study and Swahili language classes taught me. I moved from Alabama … Continue reading
Celebrating Nia: Past, Present, Future
Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Nia. Purpose. I have, for a … Continue reading
Kujichagulia or Self-Determination: To Define Ourselves, Name Ourselves, Create for Ourselves and Speak for Ourselves
To create for ourselves is one of the most important concepts that I take away from Kwanzaa. I strongly believe that we as a people should be growing, producing and … Continue reading
Pineapple Upside Down Hummingbird Cake
From an early age, I was deeply immersed in the culture and celebration of Kwanzaa. I used to perform in a children’s dance company called New Life, which was rooted … Continue reading
Sweet Potato, Caramelized Shallots, Smoked Mozzarella Pizza with Wilted Arugula
It was the Senegambians who were brought in to grow cotton, tobacco, rice and other grains and corn. They were also expert fishermen, blacksmiths, woodworkers and hunters. Having a legendary … Continue reading
Creamy Cheesy Yellow Grits with Roast Brussel Sprouts and Sausage
Thank the Native American tribes located in Southern United States for introducing early American settlers to grits, a common breakfast made from corn. Eventually, descendants of African slaves would turn … 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 