WHO WE ARE . . . 

The International Kwanzaa Exchange (T.I.K.E. - tee-kah) was introduced in 1996 to honor the 30th celebration of Kwanzaa and a strong desire to advance the practice of the Nguzo Saba ( 7 Principles) as well as to promote the growth of minority businesses.  Maintaining a website on the Internet was a possible goal for both purposes.  In June Harmak Business Systems, IMC Ltd., and Kwanzaa Holiday Expo held a series of meetings to formulate the plans.  The concept was to create a location on the World Wide Web incorporating the 7 Principles, which could be accessed by anyone interested in learning about or promoting the principles and celebration of Kwanzaa.  In addition, TIKE, seeks to be the Website calendar for any and all happenings regarding kwanzaa and its celebration throughout the world. 

Kwanzaa, celebrated by over 13 million people nationwide, as reported by the New York Times, has been a major force for spreading ethnic pride. Research has conservatively estimated that collectively, vendors at Kwanzaa Holiday Expo, the nation's largest festival,  are capable of grossing over $1 million in sales during the 3-4 days.  It was felt that the Internet was a natural progression for continued minority business economic gains.  Various areas within the site will be devoted to a particular principle, thus keeping the principles in the forefront for any visitor.

UMOJA (Unity) - To project a sense of African-American unity, stop by Umoja Resources.  Here we are offering any site the opportunity to link with us using their site logo and they, in turn, place the TIKE logo within their site.  This, we believe, creates a sense of unity while providing additional exposure for your site.

KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination) - We are determined within T.I.K.E.  to encourage people of color to strive for freedom within, and discover the power to make their own choices, power to reach a desired goal, power to encourage each other, power to grow spiritually and economically.

UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility) & UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) - These principles are intertwined in our T.I.K.E. Mart where businesses work together through Cooperative Economics while consumers show their support by visiting and purchasing from a variety of businesses offering quality products and services.  

NIA (Purpose) - Our NIA Community Board portrays our commitment to Purpose and by presenting TIKE Tidbits and a Calendar of Events.  Any visitor may submit a happening to be included in the month's activities.  Our purpose here is to contribute additional exposure to events of interest to our community and to provide a central location to list Kwanzaa celebrations throughout the world!  There is no charge for this service; however, we do reserve the right to refuse and/or edit any submission.

KUUMBA (Creativity) - Kuumba Korners  seeks to stimulate the creativity within through education about unsung s/heroes within our vast community.  It has been stated that a sense of "self pride" is instilled when we are aware of the magnificent history of our people instead of the negative images frequently imposed upon us through the school systems, newspapers, magazines, and television.  We hope to continually promote positive facts about our own great philanthropists, inventors, educators, and entrepreneurs. Kuumba Directory provides a listing of educational organizations located in different areas of the country.

IMANI (Faith) - The last, but not least, principle of Kwanzaa is celebrated on January 1st to remind us of the faith that kept us throughout the year and the faith that will keep us in the coming year.  T.I.K.E. has faith that The International Kwanzaa Exchange will succeed because of continuing support and the growing number of hits registered each week.  

We hope you will enjoy your visit at T.I.K.E. and continue  your support and comments. We appreciate and look forward to suggestions from you and the entire cyber community.