Habari Gani

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa!! I am so happy to have made it through Christmas holiday. Although i do not celebrate Kwanzaa it is very close to my heart and family. By this time next year i plan on sharing this holiday with my husband and our African family.

In celebrating the principle UMOJA i learned alot from my trip to Ghana. The families there work very hard to keep their familues together. Strong, spiritual, humble and loving. It was very peaceful and i never felt out of place with anyone. 

The marketplace was wonderful, like a big flea market.Everyone trying to sell their goods, from clothing, jewelry, foods,   and about everything you could think of. Lots of smiles and collective hospitality.

In reference to the beloved Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." It has been a mighty long road and our people are strong, intelligient, and will continue to move forward as a proud nation.

www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

A SONG FOR MOMMA

This past year is almost over and it has been like a rollercoaster.  Many ups and downs throughout. A time for healing, renewed joy, peace and blessings heading into the new year.

When one door closes there are others that will open. It has been a long 30+ years and that door has been opened to our family. My granny's baby boy came home.

Raised by a good family friend who could not have children. Right in our backyard many times and we never knew. I found my uncle Quinn last year and with lots of love and encouragement, he arrived like the Postman. Through rain, snow, hills, and lotsa traffic. What a wonderful birthday gift for me and Christmas to the rest of the family.

It is such an overwhelming experience to explain the tears of joy down my grandma's face when she saw her BABY BOY. Priceless how she held his face and looked in his eyes and said " my baby". 

To this day their is a different feel in the family house. The smell of home cooked meals every day, children laughing, and sharing stories from way back yonder....

We are blessed and very thankful. My grandma is always smiling, now she has been snapping her fingers and wiggling her hips. Not too much, she is about 90 years favored. Blaring her Sir Charles & James Brown. And of course a lil Blind Boys of Alabama, her hometown, along with some Smokie Norful and Canton Spirituals. Her Pastor n choir boy, my uncle sanging nearby.

**Umoja**

I don't think i even realize how realistic the saying your ancestors will guide you is. I find myself deep in thought alot to the early morning . Trying to gather my thoughts and connect my ancestors.

Early last week i had a really mind boggling dream. But by weeks end i think it was evident what was going on. With that being said, let me recreate the road i traveled.

It was like a Sunday drive, traveling down a red dirt road and peering out the window. It was refreshing looking at the unfamiliar buildings with large pillars and picturesque  windows.

In reaching our destination, a subway/ train station we where greeted by an older gentleman who provided us with few tickets. One with some small numbers on bottom, and one that clearly stated African Freedom.

Looking out there where staircases and people dressed in their Sunday best. Some in african wear and others casual. All of a sudden people starting running from stairwells screaming out what seemed to be Run. Then came forth a young man chained n shackled to others with his head down. Led by an older man who seemed to be pulling him along with others.

Then BOOM, a drum roll and people started scattering, others where being grabbed up and i heard sumone say " FREE" as he touched my shoulder. Drums still playing, their was an indistinct chanting and dancing.

The last thing i remember is crowd had dispersed and there was a small circle of us. Holding hands, seated, low drum sound. Appeared to be chanting or praying. Then i woke up..

Photo courtesy of :Hampton Road.com {20th Anniversary Umoja Fest}

Whatupdoe.com {Oddisee}

Family Tree{Kadir Nelson}