Kwanzaa honors unity, pride, and African traditions from December 26 to January 1. This celebration brings people together by sharing stories, lighting candles, and community. Naaja Rodgers, Professor of Africana studies at Dickinson College says Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word.

“So it's actually a Kiswahili word, which means maternal, your Kwanzaa, which means first fruits. So essentially Kwanzaa means first fruit. And these are typically celebrations that are held throughout Africa.”

Kwanza was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga. He was a part of a cultural nationalist group that promoted African culture.

“The Watts riots in Los Angeles and just the racial tensions going on during the Black Power movement inspired him to think about what we can do to kind of help African people as a collective Pan-African. Keep that theme intact. How can we ensure that black people are able to reason to remember and prepare for the new Year as opposed to just like the commercialization of Christmas where it's like a hustle and bustle, you're shopping and then you give a gift and then you go on to the new year.”

There are seven principles of Kwanzaa:
Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)

Kwanzaa honors unity, pride, and African traditions from December 26 to January 1. This celebration brings people together by sharing stories, lighting candles, and community. Naaja Rodgers, Professor of Africana studies at Dickinson College says Kwanzaa is a Kiswahili word.
&ldquo;So it's actually a Kiswahili word, which means maternal, your Kwanzaa, which means first fruits. So essentially Kwanzaa means first fruit. And these are typically celebrations that are held throughout Africa.&rdquo;
Kwanza was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga. He was a part of a cultural nationalist group that promoted African culture.
&ldquo;The Watts riots in Los Angeles and just the racial tensions going on during the Black Power movement inspired him to think about what we can do to kind of help African people as a collective Pan-African. Keep that theme intact. How can we ensure that black people are able to reason to remember and prepare for the new Year as opposed to just like the commercialization of Christmas where it's like a hustle and bustle, you're shopping and then you give a gift and then you go on to the new year.&rdquo;
There are seven principles of Kwanzaa:
<ul>
<li>Umoja (Unity)</li>
<li>Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)</li>
<li>Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility</li>
<li>Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)</li>
<li>Nia (Purpose)</li>
<li>Kuumba (Creativity)</li>
<li>Imani (Faith)</li>
</ul>

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from <a href="https://www.witf.org">WITF</a>, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

History of Kwanzaa

This week kicks off Christmas and there is no denying that poinsettias make for bright and festive decorations during the winter months. But have you ever wondered how they got to be the official Christmas flower? Shirley Halk, Master Gardener with the Penn State Agricultural Extension Service says they have a long history.

“The flower or the poinsettia reminds people of the Star of Bethlehem. When the three wise men were coming to Jesus to bear their gifts. So that's one thing about the poinsettias. You have this Christian belief. You also have when you look at the Aztecs and the Mayans, they use the poinsettias for medicinal values. They believe sometimes in magical values of the plant. So, it's it's used in a variety of ways.”

Poinsettias are grown in warm settings and are native to Mexico and Guatemala.

“They are actually considered a perennial shrub and they can grow up to 15 foot high, which you won't see here usually in the States.”After Christmas, Poinsettias can be preserved.

“They can be they can be made to bloom, believe it or not, year after year, if you so desire. And when I say year after year, the longevity on a poinsettia plant can be anywhere from 10 to 20 years.”

 

This week kicks off Christmas and there is no denying that poinsettias make for bright and festive decorations during the winter months. But have you ever wondered how they got to be the official Christmas flower? Shirley Halk, Master Gardener with the Penn State Agricultural Extension Service says they have a long history.
&ldquo;The flower or the poinsettia reminds people of the Star of Bethlehem. When the three wise men were coming to Jesus to bear their gifts. So that's one thing about the poinsettias. You have this Christian belief. You also have when you look at the Aztecs and the Mayans, they use the poinsettias for medicinal values. They believe sometimes in magical values of the plant. So, it's it's used in a variety of ways.&rdquo;
Poinsettias are grown in warm settings and are native to Mexico and Guatemala.
&ldquo;They are actually considered a perennial shrub and they can grow up to 15 foot high, which you won't see here usually in the States.&rdquo;After Christmas, Poinsettias can be preserved.
&ldquo;They can be they can be made to bloom, believe it or not, year after year, if you so desire. And when I say year after year, the longevity on a poinsettia plant can be anywhere from 10 to 20 years.&rdquo;
&nbsp;

How Poinsettias became the official Christmas flower

Since it’s the week of Christmas, The Spark Team at WITF decided to do a whole segment on Christmas Traditions. Listen to the podcast link to hear from David Payne, Researcher/ Producer, John Kinzer, Program Manager, Emma Halsey, Audio Engineer/ Producer, and Host Asia Tabb to hear some of their favorite Christmas stories growing up.

Since it&rsquo;s the week of Christmas, The Spark Team at WITF decided to do a whole segment on Christmas Traditions. Listen to the podcast link to hear from David Payne, Researcher/ Producer, John Kinzer, Program Manager, Emma Halsey, Audio Engineer/ Producer, and Host Asia Tabb to hear some of their favorite Christmas stories growing up.

Christmas stories from The Spark Team

Visioncorps is accepting Braille letters to send to Santa. Kids who submit a letter will hear back even if it is after Christmas. Erika Rothermel is a teacher of the blind and visually impaired at Visioncorps.

“So being able to write a letter to Santa is a long standing tradition that children have been doing for years. But being able to open it up to the Braille population has been a new adventure. And it's, yeah, something fun to include everybody. So we started doing that here at Vision Core about five years ago, “said Rothermel.

9-year-old JJ Maldonado took advantage of the opportunity and is looking forward to hear back from Santa soon.

“I asked for a microphone.. and a police car, “said Maldonado.”

Maldonado’s mother, Yaritza Riversa says Visioncorps has helped with JJ’s journey. JJ was diagnosed with cancer at just a month old.

“He was born with cancer. It's a genetic type of cancer. But he's that one person that was actually born without mom and dad having that gene. And it is bilateral, meaning he has it in both eyes, “said Rivera.

He began chemo at just three months old and underwent a lot of chemo and radiation.

“He actually got his right eye removed at the age of three years old. And that's kind of where the vision kind of went down a little bit. I'm the only eye he had. And so, yeah, and then Vision Corp kicked in and helped so much during this transition because it's definitely tough and they made it so much easier, especially for JJ and myself, because, you know, as a mom, it's like, what do I do? Not knowing this is on you. So, they have been a blessing to us. And even though JJ is now in school when he's 13, they still involved him and everything, and they're there for him no matter what. Just on a on a regular time. You know, they check up on Jay and make sure he's doing great. So they're amazing and we are so blessed to have them, “said Rivera.

According to JJ, learning braille can be challenging.

“It's really hard to learn all the contractions and all how to like type with your fingers and how to read properly. It's been a hard journey, “said Malonado.

When JJ grows up, he wants to be a rapper. Listen to the podcast link to her his performance.

There is no deadline for letter submission this holiday season. For those looking to send their letters to Santa in braille, letters can be addressed:

Santa’s Attention, VisionCorps (Erika Rothermel, head elf)

244 N. Queen St. Lancaster, Pa. 17603

<a href="https://visioncorps.net/">Visioncorps</a> is accepting Braille letters to send to Santa. Kids who submit a letter will hear back even if it is after Christmas. Erika Rothermel is a teacher of the blind and visually impaired at Visioncorps.
&ldquo;So being able to write a letter to Santa is a long standing tradition that children have been doing for years. But being able to open it up to the Braille population has been a new adventure. And it's, yeah, something fun to include everybody. So we started doing that here at Vision Core about five years ago, &ldquo;said Rothermel.
9-year-old JJ Maldonado took advantage of the opportunity and is looking forward to hear back from Santa soon.
&ldquo;I asked for a microphone.. and a police car, &ldquo;said Maldonado.&rdquo;
Maldonado&rsquo;s mother, Yaritza Riversa says Visioncorps has helped with JJ&rsquo;s journey. JJ was diagnosed with cancer at just a month old.
&ldquo;He was born with cancer. It's a genetic type of cancer. But he's that one person that was actually born without mom and dad having that gene. And it is bilateral, meaning he has it in both eyes, &ldquo;said Rivera.
He began chemo at just three months old and underwent a lot of chemo and radiation.
&ldquo;He actually got his right eye removed at the age of three years old. And that's kind of where the vision kind of went down a little bit. I'm the only eye he had. And so, yeah, and then Vision Corp kicked in and helped so much during this transition because it's definitely tough and they made it so much easier, especially for JJ and myself, because, you know, as a mom, it's like, what do I do? Not knowing this is on you. So, they have been a blessing to us. And even though JJ is now in school when he's 13, they still involved him and everything, and they're there for him no matter what. Just on a on a regular time. You know, they check up on Jay and make sure he's doing great. So they're amazing and we are so blessed to have them, &ldquo;said Rivera.
According to JJ, learning braille can be challenging.
&ldquo;It's really hard to learn all the contractions and all how to like type with your fingers and how to read properly. It's been a hard journey, &ldquo;said Malonado.
When JJ grows up, he wants to be a rapper. Listen to the podcast link to her his performance.
There is no deadline for letter submission this holiday season. For those looking to send their letters to Santa in braille, letters can be addressed:
Santa&rsquo;s Attention, VisionCorps (Erika Rothermel, head elf)
244 N. Queen St. Lancaster, Pa. 17603

History of Kwanzaa

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