A Guide for Celebrating Kwanzaa

As Kwanzaa is being accepted more and more across the country, many people are holding their own celebrations within the family and community. Following is one family's tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa within their family group. It is offered as an example of one family's tradition; however your own Kuumba (creativity) is encouraged.  The Pruitt's Kuumba expression is in the extension of colors and periods for their celebration.  Additional information surrounding the celebration of Kwanzaa may be found at the Official Kwanzaa Website.

I.  Recitation of the Black Family Pledge by Dr. Maya Angelou - Each stanza will be read by a different family member with the Pledge at the end recited in unison.

II.  Pouring the Libation in honor of our ancestors. - Representatives will pay homage to a foreparent (by pouring libation)

     LEADER:  To them we pour and say (the libation)
     GROUP:  Repeats libation

III.  Reading - Anansi by Tia Goodman - Theme Story

IV.  Passing of Food - Food will be passed for each of the five periods.  Food will be blessed after each period.
     Black period:  The Black Family in Africa before slavery
     Song:  "Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees"

    White period:  The Black Family in Slavery
     Songs:  "Somebody's Knocking at Your Door" & "Steal Away to Freedomn"

     Red period:  The Family's Emancipation
     Songs:  "Go Down Moses" & "Kum-bah-yah"

    Green period:  The Family in Struggle for Liberation - After food and blessing, "The Million Man March" presentation by Darryl

    Gold period:  The Family Hoping for the Future
      Song:  " This Land Is Your Land"

      Food & blessing followed by presentation "For My People" Pruitt
      Song:  "Keep The Dream Alive"

V.  Joining Hands, "Prayer for Africa"

We will use the Rainstick to calm jittery nerves, continue to eat, and exchange gifts.

Ultimately, the goal of Kwanzaa is that the principles, the Nguzo Saba (with an emphasis on unity of the family - umoja), are carried throughout the year.  Dr. karenga believed that social change for Black America would come about through a grasp of one's cultural heritage.