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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Monday, December 18, 2006 - 2:37 pm
Buck O’Neil awarded Medal of Freedom Bush lauds ex-Negro Leaguer as 'a legend and a beautiful human being," Updated: 4:57 p.m. ET Dec 15, 2006 WASHINGTON - Buck O’Neil was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor Friday, cited for a life in baseball after being barred from the national pastime in his prime. The Negro Leagues player, historian and advocate was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony, less than three months after he died at age 94. O’Neil missed election to the Hall of Fame by one vote in February, yet never lost his enthusiasm for the sport. In July, he appeared in the Northern League all-star game, making him the oldest man ever to play professional baseball. “They wisely pitched around him and he drew a walk,” President Bush joked. In a 40-minute ceremony under the glittering chandeliers of the East Room, Bush lauded O’Neil for helping break down the barriers of racial prejudice. Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier in 1947, but by then it was too late for O’Neil. “Buck O’Neil lived long enough to see baseball and America change for the better,” Bush told the assembled audience. “He’s one of the people we can thank for that. Buck O’Neil was a legend and a beautiful human being and we honor the memory of Buck O’Neil.” link
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Monday, December 18, 2006 - 2:47 pm
very cool ... glad to see this ...
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Tuesday, December 26, 2006 - 7:33 am
Theme -- 2006: NGUZO SABA: The Principles and Practice of Bringing Good Into the World Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language. Rooted in this ancient history and culture, Kwanzaa develops as a flourishing branch of the African American life and struggle as a recreated and expanded ancient tradition. Thus, it bears special characteristics only an African American holiday but also a Pan-African one, For it draws from the cultures of various African peoples, and is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the world African community. Moreover, these various African peoples celebrate Kwanzaa because it speaks not only to African Americans in a special way, but also to Africans as a whole, in its stress on history, values, family, community and culture. Kwanzaa was established in 1966 in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement and thus reflects its concern for cultural groundedness in thought and practice, and the unity and self-determination associated with this. It was conceived and established to serve several functions. THERE IS NO WAY TO UNDERSTAND and appreciate the meaning and message of Kwanzaa without understanding and appreciating its profound and pervasive concern with values. In fact. Kwanzaa's reason for existence, its length of seven days, its core focus and its foundation are all rooted in its concern with values. Kwanzaa inherits this value concern and focus from Kawaida, the African philosophical framework in which it was created. Kawaida philosophy is a communitarian African philosophy which is an ongoing synthesis of the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world. Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them. Umoja (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. The Tambiko (Libation) is performed by an elder. The elder should pour the libation using juice or water from the Tambiko set up in honor of our ancestors. Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement) It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all special occasions. Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it holds the essence of life and should be placed in a communal cup and poured in the direction of the four winds; north, south, east, and west. It should then be passed among family members and guests who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture. LIBATION STATEMENT For The Motherland cradle of civilization. For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit For the elders from whom we can learn much. For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow. For our people the original people. For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf. For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do. For the creator who provides all things great and small. A story, song or an object that is reflective of the principle for the day (i.e. Umoja (Unity) - Black Frying Pan) and a Scripture reading related to the principle is essential in reinforcing the meaning of that principle. Share Zawadi (Gifts). In Kwanzaa gifts are played down and spiritual and social rejuvenation is played up. Hand made gifts are strongly encouraged over commercial purchases. Items related to the Black heritage or items that have a special meaning that will help the person through the next year are strongly recommended. The gifts should be reflective of a commitment to education and the riches of our cultural heritage and a sign of the struggle for liberation for Black people. The gifts can be fruits shared each night by members.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Tuesday, December 26, 2006 - 9:33 am
UMOJA
Umoja (ooh-MOE-jah) means Unity, and it is the principle for the first day of Kwanzaa. Our families and communities need unity in order for them to be productive and to survive. On this day, we pledge to strive for -- and to maintain -- unity in the family, in the community, in the nation that we have helped to build, and with our PEOPLE.
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Tuesday, December 26, 2006 - 12:49 pm
Thanks for posting the Kwanzaa info. I love the meanings and values of Kwanzaa. Lady, will you please post them daily during Kwanzaa?
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Retired
Member
07-11-2001
| Tuesday, December 26, 2006 - 2:57 pm
Thanks, Mocha and Ladytex, for posting this info--very interesting reading.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 12:06 pm
KUJICHAGULIA Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) means self-determination and is the second day of Kwanzaa. On this day, we pledge to define ourselves, to NAME ourselves, to create for ourselves, and to speak for ourselves, instead of being defined, named by, created for and spoken for by others. On this day we design for ourselves a positive future and then vow to make that prophecy -- that DREAM -- a self-fulfilling one.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 12:14 pm
GAL asked quote:Is there any information on where to donate for a permanent home for her collection?
Sorry, I just read that post. Here is the information you asked for: Mayme A. Clayton Library & Cultural Center (MCL) maintains the largest and most academically substantial privately held collection of rare and out-of-print books, documents, films, music, photographs and memorabilia on African American history and culture in the United States. MCL's primary goal is to make the collection available to the public as a cultural compass to a more complete understanding of American history. MCL's Founder and President, Mayme Agnew Clayton, Ph.D., a retired university librarian assembled the collection over a 40 year period to ensure that the rich and diverse history of Americans of African descent would be available for generations to come. The Mayme A. Clayton Collection of African American History & Culture is endangered. It is without an appropriate home and threatened by fire, water, theft, pests, mold and mildew. Our goal is to secure collection in a sufficiently large facility where it can be inventoried, cataloged, conserved, digitized and made available to advance public education, research and entertainment. Please explore our website to learn how you can help save a vitally important American treasure. Our joint efforts will serve to promote pride, dignity and greater intercultural understanding. Contact us: (626) 794-4677 E-mail: aclayton@wsbrec.org http://www.wsbrec.org/ is the website
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 7:44 pm
Do you share the dream with your loved ones or is it supposed to be personal and not shared?
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 8:24 pm
either, I'm sure, Pamy ...
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Wednesday, December 27, 2006 - 8:37 pm
great, thx!
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 7:10 am
Share it and claim it.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 9:14 am
December 27, 2006 7:05 PM ETRacism Case Against NY Company SettledRelated information E-mail this article Print-friendly version Discuss this article All Associated Press NewsGLENVILLE, N.Y. (AP) - Black workers and their attorneys will share $1.25 million in the settlement of a class-action suit that accused an upstate locomotive manufacturer of allowing rampant racism in the workplace, court documents show. Super Steel of Glenville was sued in April by black workers claiming the company turned a blind eye to insults and threats against them. They sought $175 million in damages. In July, the company fired eight white employees and said it won't tolerate conduct that violates its policies against discrimination and harassment. The settlement, filed last week and pending a federal judge's approval, also resolves complaints pending before the state Division of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Under the consent decree, those complaints will be withdrawn, and the company will ensure employees receive a copy of its anti-harassment policies and managers will get training in fair employment practices. Attorneys will get $444,000, or 37 percent, of the settlement. Awards to 13 former Super Steel workers, before attorney fees and taxes, range from $25,000 to $250,000, with $55,000 put in an account for others making claims. Glenville is 22 miles northwest of Albany. link
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 9:17 am
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective work and responsibility To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one another within your community. On this, the third day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the principle of Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility. Today we renew our efforts to build and maintain our community, while working with others to solve our problems. In traditional Africa, and the Caribbean, and the South, when farmers work together to clear the land, and bring in each other’s crops, they demonstrate Ujima. When immigrants form small, tight-knit groups for circulating money called "partners" or "boxhand" or "susu" or "ekub," they exhibit Ujima too. When friends are moving, and you and the others all pitch in to help them move - and at the end of the day, sit down together to a huge home-cooked meal - that is Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility. When students in class work together on a project, or help each other with their assignments, the spirit of Ujima is also there. And on the court, when, the ball freely flows from player to player, effortlessly, selflessly, until one clearly has an open shot, "Ujima!" is the sound of the ball snapping through the net. And when a band is jamming, whether in the basement, on the corner, or up on stage at the Apollo, you’ll always hear one instrument wailing a piercing, plaintive note, "Ujimmaaaa..." it seems to cry. Collective Work and Responsibility! We are all individuals, and we must recognize our individuality. But we are also a people, a community, a whole, living thing that moves as one, to the extent that we allow, no will, it to be so! UJIMA!.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 9:28 am

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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Thursday, December 28, 2006 - 9:29 am
UJIMA Ujima (ooh-GEE-mah) is the third day of Kwanzaa and means "collective work and responsibility". On this day we celebrate working together in the community to help others. For Ujima, we pledge to rebuild our communities and to help our people solve our own problems by working together to do it.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Friday, December 29, 2006 - 11:12 am
UJAMAA Ujamaa (OOH-jah mah) means cooperative economics and is the fourth day of Kwanzaa. On this day of Kwanzaa, we pledge to develop our own businesses and to support them, to maintain shops, stores and industry that contribute to the well-being of our community and to drive out businesses (boycott, etc.) that take FROM our communities and give nothing back.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, December 29, 2006 - 11:34 am
UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) On this the fourth and middle day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics. Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.... Malik Brown owns the Ebony Bookstore. For lunch, he goes to the Kingston Diner on the corner. That afternoon, the owner of the diner, Olive Wilkins, buys some beauty supplies at the beauty shop next door. Later, the beautician, buys a copy of Black Enterprise magazine and Jawanza Kunjufu’s book, Black Economics at Malik’s Bookstore.... However, our community exists not only in the "real" world, but in cyberspace too. Here, sites established by Africans, throughout the Diaspora, exchange not only information, but goods and services on a global scale. In the true spirit of Ujamaa, these sites are always eager to publicize each other’s addresses. Blackwebportal.com aims to be just that, the portal through which we can access all our sites on the internet. They list thousands of Black sites, according to a dozen categories, broken down into scores of subsections...... Our community is also found in the church. The Black Church has increasingly become a center for business, education and civic improvement. For example, one church in Queens, Allen AME, has built a school, a senior citizens center, hundreds of housing units, a catering house, and many other facilities. It has a yearly operating budget of over 60 million of dollars, has sent its pastor to Congress and is a major force in the economic life of the borough and the city. Many of its five thousand plus members live 20 miles, or more, away from its brand new massive, stately cathedral.... And so today, on the fourth, and central, day of Kwanzaa, we joyously celebrate that which makes us a viable ongoing community, Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics! UJAMAA!
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Hermione69
Member
07-24-2002
| Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 6:23 am
Well, I've learned a lot. I realized I have no idea what Kwanzaa is all about so I have read every post about each day. I especially appreciated Day Two's message-- On this day, we pledge to define ourselves, to NAME ourselves, to create for ourselves, and to speak for ourselves, instead of being defined, named by, created for and spoken for by others. Very powerful.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 8:29 am
Here’s a question. Christ is said to have been born on December 25th, and we measure time from the date of his birth. Then why does the New Year begin on January 1st? Shouldn’t it start on December 25th? Where did the extra week come from? The Romans had a few days at the end of their year, that didn’t fit into their calendar of 12 months of 30 days each. They spent this "extra time" in feasting and revelry. Does "Christmas Week" stem from that, or does it grow out of an absolute need to stop, and relax, at the end of the year? It is hardly a coincidence that as business closes the books, at the end of the year, there is also a final, furious spate of economic activity, as we buy presents for "everyone", and splurge on food, drink and entertainment? Note the frenetic pace in the days before Xmas. Afterwards, everything slows to a crawl, in the final days of the year. Nothing seems to be happening. There is no school, and at work, little gets done. The noisy city is suddenly quiet. Yes, there is a bit of a looking forward to New Years, but overall, things are down. And after the brief mania of New Years Eve, a kind of depression settles in as winter enfolds the land. Listen! Listen to the chill wind in December's dying days. It seems to cry, forlorn, "Purrrpose. Puurrpose." In synch, we ask ourselves inside, "What is my purpose? Is this all there is to life? A cycle of hot and cold, light and dark, and throughout, the frantic, desperate paper chase for dollars and credentials, and the things they bring?" On this the fifth day of Kwanzaa, we are asked to ponder NIA, that is, Purpose. Think what it is you were put here for? (For surely you were not made for naught.) How shall you make your mark? What is it that you'll strive for, that will help, not only you, but your family, and above all our community? And is that not the basic "purpose" of the entire week of Kwanzaa? To give us time to think, yes think, about where we are, and where we are headed, and how we can work together to arrive as one!
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Saturday, December 30, 2006 - 2:11 pm
NIA Nia (NEE-ah) is the fifth day of Kwanzaa and it means "purpose". On this day, we pledge to build and develop our communities, our schools and our families. We also pledge to provide a strong communal foundation from which our children can develop into strong and productive people.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Sunday, December 31, 2006 - 1:57 pm
KUUMBA Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) is the sixth day of Kwanzaa, and it means "creativity". On this day, we pledge several things. We pledge to do whatever we can to make our communities and homes more beautiful and better than we found them. We also pledge to use our creative talents and energies to improve young minds and hearts.
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Sunday, December 31, 2006 - 1:59 pm
December 31 (New Year's Eve) is the night of the feast Kwanzaa Karamu. KWANZAA KARAMU The Karamu (kah-RAH-moo) feast should be structured as follows: I. Kukaribisha (the Welcome) Introduction of distinguished guests and elders. Accompanied by music, poetry, readings, dance, etc. II. Kukumbuka (Remembrances) Cultural expression in a traditional or historical context III. Kuchunguza tena na kutoa ahadi tena (Re-assessment and Re-commitment) A short talk by a noted speaker or family elder IV. Kushangilla (Rejoicing) Tamshi la tambiko (libation and toast) Kikombe cha umoja (passing of the libation cup) Kutoa majina (List of names of family and ancestors) Ngoma (drum song) Karamu (dinner feast) V. Tamshi la tutaonana (Farewell statements from the elders)
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Sunday, December 31, 2006 - 2:07 pm
KUUMBA (Creativity) WHAT IS CREATIVITY? Dr. Maulana (Ron) Karenga is a professor at California State Univeristy, who was a pioneer in the Black Studies movement, and who is famous for creating the celebration of Kwanzaa. He had the insight to come up with this week long festival for Africans in America that has grown in stature, importance and relevance in the 34 years since its inception. He carefully noted how every other group had their feasts and festivals, and thought it only fitting that we should have a celebration uniquely our own. Many of Africa’s peoples have major celebrations around harvest time. They take place in the fall. Karenga, looking at the calendar, saw a nice convenient slot. The week between Christmas and New Years, when school is out, and college students and others tend to travel "home for the holidays" seemed ideal. He saw that it would provide the opportunity for all of us to review what we have "harvested" in the passing year, and reflect on what seeds we should plant for the one about to begin. Today is the sixth day of Kwanzaa, KUUMBA (Creativity) Today let us think about what we can do to leave our community more beneficial and beautiful than we inherited it. What creative contributions can we make, individually and collectivity, to fulfill this valuable principle, KUUMBA?
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Ladytex
Member
09-27-2001
| Monday, January 01, 2007 - 3:48 pm
IMANI Imani (ee-MAH-nee) is the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa. Imani means faith. On this day, the beginning of the new year we pledge to believe with all our hearts and minds in our people, our parents, our good and dedicated teachers and leaders, and in the greater good of the work we do with and for one another, for the community and for the PEOPLE.
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