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Subscribe to Desktop - The Editorial Page RSS Feed Zulu Dance- South AfricaThe Zulu are the largest South African ethnic group of an estimated 10–11 million people who live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Small numbers also live in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. Their language, Zulu, is a Bantu language; more specifically, part of the Nguni subgroup. The Zulu Kingdom played a major role in South African history during the 19th and 20th centuries. Under apartheid, Zulu people were classed as third-class citizens and suffered from state-sanctioned discrimination. They remain today the most numerous ethnic group in South Africa, and now have equal rights along with all other citizens. The Zulu formed a powerful state in 1816 under the leader Shaka. Shaka, as the Zulu King, gained a large amount of power over the tribe. A commander in the army of the powerful Mthethwa Empire, he became leader of his mentor Dingiswayo's paramountcy and united what was once a confederation of tribes into an imposing empire under Zulu hegemony. Most Zulu people state their beliefs to be Christian. Some of the most common churches to which they belong are African Initiated Churches, especially the Zion Christian Church and various Apostolic Churches, although membership of major European Churches, such as the Dutch Reformed, Anglican and Catholic Churches is also common. Nevertheless, many Zulus retain their traditional pre-Christian belief system of ancestor worship in parallel with their Christianity. Massai Song And Dance - KenyaKwanzaa: An African American Cultural Celebration Now that the African Burial Ground is finally a reality there’s perhaps no better way to honor the African ancestors during this holiday season than by observing the uniquely African-American cultural holiday known as Kwanzaa which intertwines African traditions with American customs. The African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan which now holds the re-interred remains of more than 400 17th and 18th century Africans, is a tribute to the enslaved African men, women, and children who’s labor and lives, in many cases, made possible the economic development, and culture of America, both in the South and North. Those first African-Americans held fast to their traditions while forced to adjust to the hardships of a life of slavery in a strange land. Kwanzaa celebrated between December 26th and January 1st is a festive, but deeply meaningful holiday that pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of African-Americans by promoting an understanding of the African traditions and principles that helped the enslaved Africans survive harsh conditions in a hostile land. The core principles of Kwanzaa are known as the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles), expressed by Karenga in Swahili, a language of East Africa. The name Kwanzaa is taken from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits". Each day of the Kwanzaa celebration focuses on one of the seven principles. But, each principle is actually meant to be practiced year-round. And, each person who celebrates Kwanzaa has a role to play in his relations with other people and in his responsibility to the community as would be expected in an African village or community. The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Holidays are a time when we enjoy the company of friends and relatives, prepare special foods, remember traditions and especially in the African-American community, honor ancestors. The 7-day observance of Kwanzaa adds purpose, identity and direction to that celebration. The cultural holiday is an outgrowth of many customs, joined with ancient African tribal practices. Inasmuch, it’s a direct link to the past and a way of honoring the tribal values of unity and self-determination of the stolen African men, women and children who built this country. In effect, Kwanza celebrates the survival of not only the first African-Americans but of their traditions. Kwanzaa helps present day African-Americans make sense of their history and find a deeper purpose to everyday life. Author Dorothy Winbush Riley writes in her book, The Complete Kwanzaa: Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest, “This modern holiday allows Africa’s children, scattered on every continent, a way to preserve the details of the motherland and to enjoy prosperity, by using ancient wisdom to solve today’s problems. The modern harvest is not confined to one season; it is a continuous sowing and reaping of thoughts planted in our minds.” If your family has never celebrated Kwanzaa why not take the time this year to incorporate it into your annual holiday traditions. The holiday is celebrated by more than 20 million African-Americans in the United States and millions more of African descent throughout the Diaspora. On each of the seven days of Kwanzaa greet friends and family with the phrase “Habari gani,” which means, “What’s happening?” The response is the principle of the day. For example on the first day of Kwanzaa, December 26th the greeting would be “Habari gani!” The response would be “Umoja!” Kwanzaa is representative of community so if possible it should be observed together by two or more people. On the first day of Kwanzaa set aside special time to give thought to the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles. Use the time thoughtfully for meditation, reassessment of and recommitment to goals and most importantly to honor and remember the ancestors. Consider an informal daily program. Ask the eldest person present to share his or her wisdom in an opening statement each day of the Kwanzaa observance. Present a libation to the ancestors using the Kikombe cha umoja (communal cup of unity). Include Harambee, a call to unity and a statement of the principle of the day and its meaning. Creativity or Kuumba is not only the sixth principle but it should also be your guide in fashioning a Kwanzaa tradition. Just as the first African-Americans drew on their heritage to adapt to life in a strange land, you and your family can expand on the holiday traditions that are already part of your heritage to make your Kwanzaa celebration unique, meaningful and enduring.
Kuwame Swabobo Say's Learn Swahili
Yo-Yo waz zup holms = Salamu wewe ni rafiki yangu vizuri
African drummer this is a bad mamma jama!
Eli Whitney's Patent for the Cotton Gin, March 14, 1794
Eli Whitney's Patent for the Cotton Gin, March 14, 1794; Records of the Patent and Trademark Office; Record Group 241, National Archives Designed to separate cotton fiber from
seed, Whitney's cotton gin, for which he applied for a patent on October
28, 1793, and received a patent on March 14, 1794, introduced a new,
profitable technology to agricultural production in
America.
Check your local fuel prices. 
Missing Children
Code Amber News Service (CANS) issued this Missing Endangered person Alert after the girl disappeared from her bedroom some time after 3 AM Tuesday morning in Satsuma. Satsuma is approximately 75 miles east of Gainsville. Haleigh Cummings a white female, 3 feet tall, weighs 39 pounds and has blond hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear. There are no suspects in this case at this time. However, due to the circumstances of the child's disappearance an abduction is strongly suspected. There is no suspect vehicle at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's office at (386) 329-0808 or dial 911. Download free video of missing Florida child Haleigh Cummings Email this alert to a friend in the area.
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