Contributed photo Cynthia O. Toliver

A taste of tradition for the holiday season: Recipes for Kwanzaa

By Cynthia O. Toliver

Each December, Kwanzaa celebrations take place in the home of African Americans all over the world. It was created back in 1966, by Ron Malenga, in order to give an original and distinct celebration that would be unique to the descendants of slaves living in this country. The term Kwanzaa comes from the African language Swahili, and means first fruit of the harvest. There are seven days of celebration, with each day highlighting one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujime (Collective work and determination), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). As you can imagine, these celebrations include lots of food, libation and gifts.

Here are some typical Kwanzaa recipes.

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Settlers rings in the New Year with jazz

HAWLEY, PA—The Settlers Inn New Year’s Eve Supper Club will feature the jazz stylings of vocalist Thos Shipley on Monday, December 31.

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