KWANZAA

Kwanza is a week long Pan African holiday/festivity of civilizing reaffirmation, honouring the culture and traditions people of African origin and their descendants worldwide.  It falls between December 26 and January 1 each year.

It has an explicit ideology, customs and codes which are associated with the communal and spiritual needs of African people. There are moral and ethical values that emphasize and focus on a clear purpose to support the cooperative self concept as a populace, respect our past, assess our present and commit ourselves to a fuller, more abundant prospect. The rationale of Kwanzaa is to bring everybody together in celebration of their black culture and to live by using 7 guided principals of African culture as a beacon for life all year round. It asserts no ties with any religion. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: unity; self-determination; collective work and responsibility; co-operative economics; purpose; creativity; and faith.

What does the word Kwanzaa mean?

Kwanzaa, means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African tongue Swahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. The selection of Swahili, an East African language, mirrors its position as a representation of Pan-Africanism, chiefly in the 1960′s, although most African-Americans have West African descent. An extra “a” was added to “Kwanza” in order to make it a seven lettered word.

When was it first celebrated and why?

Kwanzaa was first celebrated in December 1966 and January 1967. The holiday was proposed by graduate student Maulana Karenga as a graduate student  distressed by the 1965 riots in Los Angeles’ Watts area, determined that African-Americans needed a yearly event to commemorate their disparities rather than the melting pot. His aim was to give those of African descent a holiday to celebrate their own cultural heritage and the key values of family and community. It is one of the fasted-growing holidays in the history of the world. It is now estimated that about 13 percent of Africans in the Diaspora (nearly five million people) celebrate the festival in some way. It is important to learn about Kwanzaa as it was created with a specific purpose, of protecting our Cultures and Traditions. Not a spiritual holiday, Kwanzaa is, somewhat a seven-day merriment that begins on Dec 26 and is carried on through Jan 1st.

What do people do during Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa consists of a week of celebrations, which ends with a feast and the exchange of gifts. During the celebrations, candles are lit and libations are poured. A libation is the name given to a ritual pouring of a drink as an offering to a god. During Kwanzaa, a wooden unity cup or calabash bowl is used to pour the libations. A Kwanzaa ceremony often also includes performance of music and drumming, a reflection on the Pan-African colors of red, green and black and a discussion of some aspect of African history. Women often wear brightly colored traditional clothing. Some cultural organizations hold special exhibitions of African influenced art or performances during the period of the celebration.

THE SEVEN PRINCIPALS OF KWANZAA: People who commemorate Kwanzaa hope to support the black community by sticking to seven guiding principles, designated by words from the Swahili language.

UMOJA (OO-MO-JAH) Unity.

The importance of togetherness for the family and the community in order to be productive and to survive. To put differences aside as they divide and destroy. 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.

“I am because We are.”

KUJICHAGULIA (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination

Requires that we define our common interests and make decisions and choices that are in the best interest of ourselves, family and community. To be clear what we are fighting for. 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.

UJIMA (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility

To remind us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to perform in the community, society, and world. Participate in the fight for liberation. All obliged to play a role and or face the raft of our ancestors who sacrificed their lives. On this day we celebrate working together in the community to help others.. We pledge to rebuild our communities and to help our people solve our own problems by working together to do it.

If one is not free then all is not free.

UJAMAA (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics

To emphasizes our collective economic strength and be encouraged to meet common requirements through mutual support. To put money into our businesses; build institutions, investment and make personal sacrifice. On this day of 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.

NIA (NEE-YAH) Purpose

To encourage us to look within ourselves and to set personal/individual goals that are beneficial to the community. 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.

If it’s not worth dying for then is it worth living for.

KUUMBA (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity

To make use of our creative and artistic energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. To channel creative strength to nation building then celebrate then liberate. On this day, 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.

IMANI (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith

As spiritual and natural people to regain faith, self-worth and confidence in ourselves and our leaders’ ability to succeed and triumph in the righteous victory of struggle. To focus on honouring the best of customs our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind. 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.

Yenu iwe na heri – Have a happy and fruitful Kwanzaa

I was honoured to be asked by Debrose founder of Natural November  http://www.naturalnovember.com/#! to present a headwrap workshop. Although the workshop was only for one hour I was impressed by the enthusiam of all participants to lean quick,  style creations, and how they enjoyed the workshop.

The African Centre turned into a true African  market on a Sunday – with stall vendors and exhibitors displaying their entrepreneurship of home-made products, artwork, apparell, accessories, adornments, books, mosaic, natural juices. Its was great catching up with Ebony of  Naturally Sexy, The Hairoine, Belinda of BeUnique,  Zola & Kepani of Greenshack Productions, Naturally Nubian, Proud to be African Clothing, Synergy Soul Designs, Qemamu and many more. I also made some new friends who had their stall – Kawaii Adornment – next to me – they gave me jokes throughout the event that helped me with my energy levels, cos i was so tired.  Thanks to all supporters who purchased shea butter and headwraps and to the sisters who i met at The headwrap workshop at Battersea Library during BHM who each bought an African Print Bag.

At each end of the main hall were seminars on  wholistic health, body or hair care, hair braiding, which were informative and educational from professional speakers throughout the whole day back to back.  Although I was busy with the stall, I did eventurally get to hear some of Leah Salmon Wholefoods and Nature presentation, inspired words about our lifestyle and  how she began her raw food journey. The venue was jam packed as visitors  congregated and squeezed into a space at each end of the hall to listen to the main speakers.

There always come a time when the curtains  have to close and I walked out of the African Centre slowly ‘cos my foot was burning from standing for 7hrs (why didnt i stay sitting on the chair).

Big warm blessing to Debrose on her efforts to make her first event a successful one. Look forward to Natural November 2012

The Calabash Hub

RESPECT THE ‘FRO part2

A big thank you to all the brothers and sisters who supported RESPECT THE ‘FRO part 2. It was a pleasure to network and hear the guest journeys.  Our guest panel Regina Kimbell, Crystal Afro and Pelumi really shone on the stage as they discussed the aspects of the documentary My Nappy Roots and shared healthy hair care tips. Here are a few pictures.

MY NAPPY ROOTS

GUEST PANEL – PELUMI, REGINA & CRYSTAL

OUR GUESTS

I LOVE AFRO

 INTERNATIONAL HAIRITAGE MONTH – BIGGER AND WISER NEXT YEAR

BLESS

THE CALABASH HUB

My Nappy ROOTS will tell its story largely through the voices people who were, and are, instrumental in the changes that have influenced the cultural images, aesthetics and behavior of Black Americans.  Film makers Regina Kimbell and Jay Bluemke assembles a world-class line-up of celebrities, Historians, authors, journalists, comedians, stylists and barbers, industry business icons, professional, and personal accounts on their Black hair journey. 

This liberation is not only captured on film but experienced from beginning to end with 

My Nappy ROOTS:  A Journey Through Black Hair-itage.

A panel discussion with film director Regina Kimbell and guests will follow the screening

Join the Debate!

On Saturday 27^th August it was all about the kinks and curls to Respect The Fro at COTTONS Caribbean Restaurant. During the meet and greet guests where shown a slide show of images of a selection of inspired and created hair styles with braids, locks, and natural kinks which may inspire themselves to create their own.

SCREENING   -    The screening of the documentary  400 Years Without A Comb  was written by Dr Willie L. Morrow which was inspired by his book of the same name.  The film shows the effect and denial of sufficient hair care tools had on African slaves in America.  It also locates the origin of the good hair/bad hair argument in the days of and following slavery, through the evolution of the social class system.  DISCUSSIONS – After the screening a panel discussion was led by Charmaine of  http://www.blackhistorystudies.com/ and Crystal aka Crystal Afo  http://unitedkinkdom.blogspot.com/     They touched on the historical, emotional and social aspect of the documentary and how opinions of natural hair, identity and perceptions of beauty can determine how one portrays self.

TESTIMONIES – We were blessed to have a testimony from Belinda who had done the BC (Big Chop) in 2009. She presented for the first time to an audience about her hair journey, hair care techniques and product information. She expressed in her dialogue the journey she endeavoured in order to maintain her crowning glory. She went from being a product junky to experimenting and knowing what ingredients was good for her natural hair maintenance. She silenced the myth that natural hair does grow with tender love and care the healthy way, to which she ended her testimony with ‘Your Hair Is Your Crown, Where It Like A Queen’. The feedback was positive and empowered and refreshed sisters who were in the transition stages. Belinda has formulated her own hair care product range to which she hopes to sell her homemade Mango Twist to all natural beauties in the near future. She showcases her journey through her blog http://www.4nappiness4eva.blogspot.com/

POETRY & ARTWORK – Cezanne is a self taught artist who also writes and performs her poetry. During her performance she used symbolic images for creative expression and explained the symbolism of her artwork the male and female pictures – Fruitfull Mind. Due to time constraints we did not get to enjoy much of Cezanne poetry – but hopefully at another event. Here paintings and poems can be purchased in print and her artwork is exhibited within the dinning area at Centreprise in Dalston, London.  http://www.cezannesart.co.uk/home

        LUNCH - A buffet lunch was provided by Cottons http://cottons-restaurant.co.uk/  whilst we listened to tunes of Aretha Franklyn which was our signature album for the event – songs such as Respect and Natural Woman.  During such time Stall Holders: Evelyn Products, Shangwe, Cezanne, Greenshack Productions, LEKAN P’ship, Lavel, Naturally Nubian and The Calabash Hub were selling products and merchandise.

PRESENTATION by Kapeni of Greenshack Productions who wrote Peter Sankofa and The Family Afro. Kapeni read extracts from the book and explained why it was important for his family and children to have books that represent positive children’s imagery and symbolism of black people, that will raise their confidence and a since of pride within their life. Kapeni also led us into a story to which the guests had to use their imaginations to say a sentence before passing the mic in order to create the full story. Prizes were given to the guests who were the most creative. During the event his wife Zola maintained the stall selling books, T-shirts, badges, African symbols, candles and essential oils. http://www.greenshackproductions.com/

PRODUCT SWAP – A table was laid out for the product swap for those who bought items that maybe useful for others –  as someone’s junk is another persons treasure. As you can see Crystal left with a smile on her face.

 HAIR SHOW – The last activity was a hair showcase where our guests had to write on a style card and explain how long they had been natural, their hairstyle and a natural beauty quote or extract that was persona or to empower other guests -  Prizes were given for imagination an thoughtfulness.

I would like to give thanks to all the guests, performers, stall holders, sisters and brothers who came and supported  The Calabash Hub and Naturally Nubian http://naturallynubian01.blogspot.com/with some positive vibes as we all departed   Respecting The ‘Fro

Bless, Sister E – THE CALABASH HUB

 KITCHEN TREASURES from NATURES PLEASURES – WORKSHOP REVIEW

The kitchen cupboard was well alive with the abundance of colourful natural ingredients spread on the tables around the Rhum Shack at Cottons Restaurant, were our 17 guests and 5 presenters all congregated – all we needed was the beach. I began the event by making 2 facial scrubs using basic ingredients that were good enough to eat for breakfast. Using  oatmeal, sugar, honey and olive oil. The second scrub was a mixture of avocado and honey with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Our special guest and presenter all the way from Birmingham was Kadian – Ace Your Face. She enlightened us with The Cleansing Method and advice about the importance of moisturising, toning and treatments for problem skin. In addition we welcomed a good explanation of the benefits of Coconut, Aloe Vera, oils and honey and which product are healthier for our skin and hair and which to avoid. On the day we were privileged to make her – now famous – Green Honey Juice Mask – lovely feeling on the face. 

Lecon shared the benefits of Shea Butter whilst we made some amazing shea smothers with base oils and a wide choice of essential oils for that added aroma. Followed by Michelle of Naturally Nubian on the benefits of Bentonite Clay for a deep conditioner for the hair – so we all got mixing and blending with oils and warm water. She also explained the benefits of Vegetable glycerine as a hair spritz which she now makes and sells.

We were enlightened by Afiya abouthair care using herbs.  We made a herbal hair care remedy/tonic using Horsetail, Nettles and Rosemary which are good hair growth stimulators and reduces hair loss. We also added Chickweed that is a good scalp relief for anti itching and dandruff. All these wonderful herbs were infused in a bottle of ACV. Although there are varies herbs that are good for our hair but these are the main common herbs that Afiya recommended for the workshop. We were advised to keep our herbal infusion on a winder ceil for 2wks, strain away the herbs and use the liquid as a final hair rinse diluted with water or alternatively the tonic can be used as a leave in conditioner. Afiya is currently on her final study year as a medical herbalist, and will be wowing us with her herbal products soon.

I informed our guests about the importance of tooth care by taking them back to my roots in Ghana having to ‘chew the sponge’ and watching elders chewing stick that was cut from the bark of a tree. We were thereafter well informed by Lecon about the medicinal purposes of Neem leaf which left a bitter taste in our mouths. We mixed to a paste some bicarbonate of soda with vegetable glycerine and a few drops of peppermint , which we all tasted – with different reactions – to like or not to like – although better for us naturally it will take a while to get used to the taste from the long term usage of conventional toothpaste.

The final workshop was making a foot scrub using dead sea salt, infused with a choice of different lovely smelling natural oils which was complemented with rose petals to add that finishing touch – Give respect to the feet! We ended the event with a competition by asking our guests to name, describe usage, ingredients and benefits of any product made. Here is the Competition winners. PRODUCT NAME: Bentonite Dynamite. Ingredients – Bentonite clay, olive oil and warm water. Instructions: Mix together. Blows dirt out of the hair, cleans hair folicals and attracts moisture to the hair to make it appear smooth and silky…….. What imaginations our guests have.  I have to mention  – Apples & ‘Erbz and Ashanti Rain who were runners up.

It was a refreshing day of mixing, blending, sampling, networking, fun and being educated about hair and skincare ingredients. Everyone went home with all their made products along with a Treasure Bag with samples of Bentonite clay supplied by Pretty Curls (www.prettycurls.com), traditional black soap and cinnamon and nutmeg smother from LEKAN P’ship and Neem leaves.

 A well deserved pampering day for all. It was a pleasure to work along so many educational and talented brothers and sisters. Thanks to Cottons Restaurant for a delightful Caribbean buffet.

We shall be revisiting the kitchen Treasures again to see what nature has installed for us all.

Bless – THE CALABASH HUB

KITCHEN TREASURES from NATURES PLEASURES ( sold out)

For Health, Beauty, Hair and Skin Care

Come and join us in a 1 day workshop for men and women, where you will be able to formulate your own skin care and beauty treatments, and hair care remedies using organic and natural ingredients that are healthy, clean and pure without the harsh chemicals, toxins and preservatives.

There are so many ingredients and hidden treasures in your kitchen that are common and everyday items which can be fused together to contribute to your skin care regime. 

Taking care of your skin and hair is perhaps one of the most essential parts of any health and beauty procedure. It is very important to use good quality skincare products for your skin to get that glowing appearance and complexion. Our ancestors used natural resources for healing, prevention and preserving to rejuvenating the skin.

SATURDAY 23^rd JULY, 2011  @  11:30 – 4:00pm

 WORKSHOP

Come and try our simple, quick and easy to make natural remedies using the finest fresh organic ingredients that your hair and skin will love: Everything you make you take home and indulge.

• Hair Conditioner.
• Herbal Rinses and Tonics that give life to your crowning glory.
• Cleaners and Moisturisers that give a warming glow.
• Luxurious Hand and Facial Scrubs to make your skin feel soft and silky.
• Organic Toothpaste.  
• Everyday Hair Spritz.              Natural Dyes

(Ingredients, jars, utensils & recipes will be provided, but you are welcome to use your own).

 PRESENTATIONS:

ACE YOUR FACE: Kadian.           WONDERS OF HERBS: Afiya.            SHEA SMOTHERS: Lecon.           

 CARING FOR YOUR HAIR – Naturally Nubian.                  NATURES TREASURES: Sister E.

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Share recipes and beauty tips,     Treasure bags,    Networking

Fun and Creative workshop for all the family

Caribbean Food and Refreshments can be purchased on the premises.

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VENUE: COTTONS – RHUM SHACK, 70 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QP

TICKETS: £12 in advance from:  http://www.thecalabashhub.com/blog/ 

or contact Sister E on: 07940 186268, info@thecalabashhub.com

 KITCHEN TREASURES from NATURES PLEASURES

ANANSEKROM – 2011

A Traditional African Festival of Music, Dance & Arts

  ON: Saturday 9^th July, 2011

 TIME: 11am – 7pm

 VENUE: Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, London SM4 5JD 

(nearest station Northern Line –  Morden)

 TICKETS: Adult £10, Children £5

FEATURING

Cultural performances      Gospel Choir     Kente Weaving master classes

 Traditional African games – Oware   Cultural Displays.

African Drumming and Dancing        Comedians      Acrobatics 

Musicians        Procession of chiefs    Musical theatre           

Traditional Food and beverages     Stalls: Arts and Crafts      Souvenirs

INFORMATION  CONTACT: Noble Friends on 07951 644296, 07985 148436

Book tickets http://noblefriends.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=44&vmcchk=1&Itemid=44

Check out website for previous year’s event: www.noblefriends.org

(Come and meet us at our stall –  LEKAN Partnership – we shall be selling Raw Shea Butter, African print/leather bags, Black Soap, Headwraps, Accessories and Shea Body Smothers)

SEE YOU THERE – THE CALABASH HUB