Happy Kwanzaa!

Your virgin eyes were opened to a new frontier of diversity after you heard Michael Jackson and friends croon, “We are the world, we are the children.” And ever since, you’ve allowed the various facets of American culture to infiltrate your dinner table, wardrobe, and language. This year you and the fam can diversify your holiday repertoire by observing Kwanzaa, the weeklong festival that fetes family and heritage and is celebrated by African-Americans throughout the nation. Today at the Miami Children’s Museum, nationally acclaimed storyteller Madafo Lloyd will be leading a Kwanzaa celebration that weaves tales and activities with the traditions of this new American tradition.

Since its inception in 1966, the holiday has celebrated the Nguzu Saba, or the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, each day for seven days from December 26 through January 1. In honor of virtues like self-determination, unity, and purpose, gallons of libations have been poured, hundreds of thousands of kinara candles lit, and many zawadi exchanged. Today from 2 to 3 p.m., let your Kwanzaa zawadi be Madafo’s marvelous stories. Admission is free with paid admission to the museum, which is 10 bucks.
Sat., Dec. 29, 2007