Does Obama Celebrate Kwanzaa? Day 1 of 7 2010

This is the first day of Kwanzaa and the start of our 7 Part series on this African American holiday. Many AA's know about and enjoy this holiday, the question is, does the Obama family.(Video)



You will note that in this video the President and First Lady say Merry Christmas ... as you and your families gather to celebrate the holidays..." this is definitely a culturally healthy and all inclusive wish. All inclusiveness is a  point in their favor however, it does not answer the question.

This being December 26 the first day of Kwanzaa (Dec 26 - Jan 1) the call goes forth Habari Gani! what is your response _________________? and what is the Obama family response? How is their Cultural Literacy, do the parents make the call and do the children respond?

The reality is I do not have a direct answer to the question. Does Obama and family know about Kwanzaa? Do they, or have they participated in the holiday? I think the answer to both questions is yes. but it is interesting that I have not heard a corporate media person ask these direct questions, nor does the net produce anything but hints for me so far.

Below is a hint.

This is a Calendar from Trinity Church , Obama's former Church, you will note that there is a Kwanzaa service for each of the seven days. So it is clear that his local community, especially his spiritual community, embraced Kwanzaa and I believe so did he.

If Obama does or does not celebrate Kwanzaa there are two things we should understand about the historic year of 2010 12,010 AST (African Standard Year). One, America having an African American President is causing Americans and people worldwide to want to improve their African American Cultural Literacy. Two, we have a Cultural Health opportunity to compare the Obama family's service to our Nation and personal conduct to the Kwanzaa principles and see what we can learn about Kwanzaa and our community from that process.

So let's start with today's principle (1 of 7)

1. UMOJA (Unity) [oo-MO-jah]
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and ethnic group.

I believe Obama's family is a good example of unity. His election demonstrated African American unity (95-98% pro-Obama) around someone we believed can help the community. His mission is to strive for national unity which includes all Americans. His election was followed by the 2 billion plus Black people worldwide and had a unifying effect on our Pan African ethnic group.

Nationally, the President has brought the progressive elements of the Nation closer together, I see it in the Gym, in my interactions with people on-line and on the street, there is a general good vibe despite tough times. The AA community is part of the Nation and I sense we are functioning with more unity than in the past 8 years. In fact, I would go as far as saying that the world seems far more unified today then under Bush. Why, even the Democrats in the congress acted with more unity then anyone would have given them credit for a year ago.

They passed Health Care Reform which was one of my top three reasons for hiring our President. And did you see the magnificent end of year successes for the American people. Dear I say a bipartisan surprise that reminded me of the Ali "rope a dope".  Obama/GOP Tax compromise (tax cut of all Americans), START passed, (reduction of nuclear weapons) and DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell). Thank you for the Christmas present Mr. President.


What do you think and take away as you meditate on Umoja, The President's family and your own situation?

Update:

December 26th 2010 Statement by President Obama and Michelle Obama on Kwanzaa

...!This is a joyous time of year when African Americans and all Americans come together to celebrate our blessings and the richness of our cultural traditions. This is also a time of reflection and renewal as we come to the end of one year and the beginning of another...The seven principles of Kwanzaa - Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith - express the values that have inspired us as individuals and families; communities and country..."

Well one thing is for sure, he sure knows the principles. If dad knows, Mom and the children know.

Powerful stuff. for more details Click Here

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