Austm, dec, jan 2014 2015

AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE

Poliosocionomics of World Peace

Issue III,XV www.africaustoday.dotcom.wordpress.com 312/880-7016 December- January 2014-2015 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds

Holiday Special Issue

Africa USA Today Media Awards Chicago’s Best Kept Secret Art Exhibit Kwanzaa Celebration

Latino Fashion Week

Bruce Rauner, Illinois Newly Elected Governor

Queen Bunmi Ajibade & her Voice Blender

The Obama’s Christmas Celebration

Book Club

Women’s International Unity Forum

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Publisher’s Editorial Every Praise to Our God! Every Praise to Our God!!

Every Praise to Our God in the highest!!!

Thank you, Evangelist Hezekiah Walker, for that highly spiritual gospel song that has been elevating believers , not only in U.S, but also across the world. You cannot hear that song, without throwing your arms in the air, and sing it like you really mean it.

That sums up why we should be thanking the Almighty God, that made it possible for us to be still be alive, despite so many friends, innocent youths in the hoods faced with straight bullets, teenage shot another innocent youth over a lousy jacket, and many more we cannot even account for, that we have lost. To still be alive is really worth thanking Him for.

I just have to get that out of my humble chest, before I go and have an extra large Dunkin Donuts coffee. You might be surprised at what this can do to your mouth. It might make you speak different language.

Now, there are so many topics came to mind, as usual, that any writer can pick on. Among which are: President Barack Obama's Immigration Reform­particularly what it means to Africans, who have spent decades in this foreign land; or the issue of ISIS (Islamic extremists) who are recklessly cutting human beings heads to meet their demands. One should pray and hope there will be another better alternatives, than this uncivilized act of de­ humanizing God's creatures.

It is equally sad to say many people around the world do not appreciate the commonality both two major popular religions: Christianity and Islam have . ( To be continued )

Today at 12:

Olawale Idreez, Publisher

Respectfully, Olawale Idreez africatoday10@yahoo.com

AFRICA USA TODAY 3

AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE

John E. Smith Jr., Mary L. Swopes

Barbara Kensey

Editor-in-chief, Africa USA Today Magazine

Olawale Idreez, Africa USA Today Magazine

Catona Photography

Jackie Sanders

Nita Marchant

Olawale Idreez presenting John E. Smith Jr. Media Award.

Kim Jay, vocalist performing at Media Awards

4 Africa USA Today

Lorraine Harrel

Africa USA Today Media Awards Highlights

Barbara Kensey receiving Media Award

Some of the Media Award recipients,and guests AFRICA USA TODAY 5

DARLENE HUMPHREY

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR BARBARA KENSEY

MEDIA CONSULTANT TORNU PRYNCE

6 AFRICA USA TODAY

Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Holiday Special

10

Chicago’s Best Kept Secret Art Exhibit

26

Celebrating Kwanzaa

12

16

Bruce Rauner Queen Bunme Ajibade Illinois Governor Elect

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Latino Fashion Week

Our annual Holiday Special issue include highlights from our Media Awards event, as well as several events we were privileged to attend.There is information on how to celebrate Kwanzaa and how it got started. Go out and celebrate the holidays with your family and friends.

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

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Women’s International Unity Forum

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Evangel Christmas Celebration Evangel Multi­Media & Arts Center in Upper Marlboro, MD returns with the most spectacular and popular full­scale holiday musical ever, “Christmas Celebration 2014.” This year’s extravaganza features gospel music’s biggest and brightest stars including, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, Erica Campbell, James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez. With only twelve performances, December 6th through the 21th, this is a “must see” Christmas favorite that you don’t want to leave off your to­do­list list this year.

In its 24th season, “Christmas Celebration 2014” for two and a half hours, you will be enthralled by 10 scenes of Christmas taking you back in time to the Victorian era, modern­day, and biblical times. CC2014 will be transformed as the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ comes to life on stage. You will be swept away as beautiful camels, sheep, llama, horses, dogs and goats parade the isles and set the tone for a surreal nativity scene. This production is filled with non­stop excitement including a fascinating light show, innovative DL2 technology and other special effects that illuminate a cast of over 200 men, women and children. The lively and spirited dance scenes, dramatic imagery and phenomenal singing will have you clapping, laughing and talking back to the performers.

This holiday classic has been entertaining audiences of all ages and is slated to attract over 25,000 ticketgoers. Evangel’s 140,000 square foot facility and world­class theater comfort make every moment enjoyable, every view memorable and the high­tech audio system brings the stage to you. This is truly an event for the entire family. An event of this magnitude may never happen again. You don’t want to miss this!!!”

Get your tickets now | Click Here | Purchase tickets by calling 301­249­9400 and please visit the website:www.evangelchristmascelebration.com Follow us on Twitter @ECchristmas and Facebook www.facebook.com/evangelcathedral for all highlights and updates.

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CHICAGO SAMBA'S THIS WEEK: THIS Saturday, November 29 ‐ Doors 9:00pm ‐ Live music starts at 10:00pm til 2:30am QUEEN OF SAMBA CONTEST ‐ 2015! ‐ Click here For more info.

Rules & Regulations ‐ FREE PARKING Click here.

Don't miss this Saturday, Queen of Samba contest. We will take you to an incredible trip to Brazil with a beautiful and special performance by Samba 1 Brazilian Dance Group , live music, Brazilian drinks, Samba dance lessons and more... Invite your friends and help us to pick the next Samba Queen in Chicago, Illinois.

Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 North Kedzie Blvd, Chicago ‐ Phone 773‐661‐4126 *ALL THE CANDIDATES Must contact Edilson Lima, the choreographer for the event.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Saturday, January 24 ‐ Educational program for The Children of the Rainforest.

Shows at 10:30am & 1:30pm ‐ Bring your kids!

With the program ‘Sounds of Brazil', Chicago Samba trio brings the audience on a journey into the five regions of Brazil by playing the music from each region, with maps, cards with foreign words.

The program is a cornucopia of information about Brazilian history, geography and people, starting with the indigenous “brazilindians,” followed by the influences of the Portuguese as colonizers, and process of slavery from Africa. The elements from these ethnicities made Brazil a very diverse culture. The Chicago Samba presentations show the impact of miscegenation through the music from the aborigines all to way to more contemporary musical fusions, such as the Afro‐Brazilian Samba with the American Jazz, originating a style called Bossa Nova. The show culminates with an audience participation in a Carnaval style ‘Batucada' using approximately ten people from the audience. Dancers will be interacting with the audience as they enter on parts of the show... For more information Click here.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704

Saturday, February 14 ‐ Doors at 9:00pm ‐ Live music starts at 10:00pm until 2:30am

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Chicago’s Best Kept Secret Art Exhibit This Art Exhibit showcases talented artists and photographers with a variety of styles who may be somewhat under the radar of the established art world. Angie Redmond is the curator and one of the exhibiting artist. The exhibit was held at One Stop Productions at 340 N. Ogden Ave. The opening reception included live performances, wine and appetizers.

Robert L. Scott Sr. is the Executive Producer and hosted the show.

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John E. Smith Jr. Photography

John E. Smith Jr. Photography

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Early Life Bruce was born and raised in Illinois. His grandfather was a small-town dairyman who taught Bruce about fishing and hunting, the value of hard work and the importance of giving back. Bruce’s first job was flipping burgers, his second job was parking cars. A dedicated and good student, Bruce worked while he attended Dartmouth College, where he graduated with top honors, and then earned an M.B.A. from Harvard.

Business Success Returning to Illinois in 1981, Bruce began working at then startup investment firm Golder, Thoma, Cressey (later GTCR). As one of its earliest partners, Bruce helped build the firm into one of the most successful and respected businesses in Illinois. GTCR has been trusted for decades to oversee the retirement investments of first responders, teachers and other Illinois workers and has created tremendous returns for them – more than doubling the stock market’s performance – while providing exceptional value for taxpayers.

Community Involvement Bruce has reinvested his business success into the state he loves through supporting education, local hospitals and community organizations. He has been a key financial supporter of projects like Chicago’s new Red Cross regional headquarters, the YMCA in Little Village, six new charter high schools, scholarship programs for disadvantaged students, and achievement-based compensation systems for teachers and principals in Chicago Public Schools. He has served on the boards of numerous civic organizations including The Noble Network of Charter Schools, World Business Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chancellor’s Strategic Advisory Board.

Family Bruce is the proud father of six children – two boys and four girls. His wife, Diana, is President of the Ounce of Prevention Fund, which is dedicated to providing all children - especially those born into poverty – access to quality care and education throughout the first five years of life.

Goals for Illinois Bruce isn’t interested in a political career. He is running for governor because he loves Illinois and refuses to stand by while career politicians drive it into the ground. He will make the following issues his top priorities: 1. Jobs. Bruce will make improving Illinois’ business climate his top priority. He will:  Get rid of the Quinn-Madigan tax hikes and replace them with an overhaul of the tax code.  Create Right-to-Work zones, allowing localities to decide whether workers must join a union.  Enact tort reform and limit lawsuit abuse.  Reform the workers’ compensation system to make Illinois competitive with neighboring states.

2. Reform state government. Bruce will make sure state government works for you. He will:  Allow state workers to choose whether they want to join a government employees union.  Control spending, because bigger government means more corruption.  Cap the current pension system and move towards a defined contribution system.  Audit every dime state government spends.

3. Improve education. Our children deserve the nation’s best schools. To achieve that goal, Bruce will:

   

Reward the best performing teachers.

Hold poor performing teachers accountable.

Increase the number of educational choices for parents and teachers.

Prioritize spending so we can invest in education.

4. Term limits. Too many state officeholders seem more interested in building a political career than

serving you. Bruce will fight for term limits to eliminate the entrenched power structure in Springfield.

PAID FOR BY CITIZENS FOR RAUNER, INC.

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IContact:

Lorraine Harrell

(312) 401-7177

poetandwriterlorraine@gmail.com

www.heartofawoman.ws

Imagination Makes Dreams Come True (GALLATIN, TN, OCTOBER 27, 2014 - HEART OF A WOMAN LAUNCHED ITS DEBUT AFRICAN-AMERICAN EMERGING WOMEN WRITERS 40 AND OVER WRITER’S RESIDENCY PROGRAM ON OCTOBER 19-NOVEMBER 1, 2014) HOSTS A GALA CELEBRATION READING & RECEPTION THURS., OCTOBER 30, 2014 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., AT AFRICA HOUSE.

WHO: Lorraine Harrell, Award-winning writer/poet/playwright, radio talk show host Warner Bros.,/Lorimar TV Comedy Writers Fellow, and former Chicago Tribune writer for TempoWoman & Founder of the Heart of a Woman African-American Emerging Women Writers 40 and Over Writer’s Residency Program at AFRICA HOUSE, sponsored by Dr. Arikana Chimhombori, owner of Africa House.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: In Attendance: Mayor Jo Ann Graves, Maggi Vaughn, Poet Laureate of TN., and Destiny Birdsong, award-winning poet/writer & professor at Vanderbilt University.

WHEN: Thursday, October 30, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m.-10 p.m., Lorraine Harrell, Founder Heart of a Woman, African-American Emerging Women Writers & Dr. Arikana Chihombori will host a Gala Celebration Reading, followed by a networking reception.

WHERE: Heart of a Woman Residency @ Africa House: 1020 Odoms Bend Private Ct., Gallatin, TN 37066.

WHY: Heart of a Woman African-American Emerging Women Writers 40 and Over is a bi-annual residency retreat program, created to provide extraordinary women with exceptional writing talent, the impetus to believe in their own second, third and fourth chances at realizing a creative writing life. We herald the belief that imagination, grit and unstoppable determination, does indeed makes dreams come true.

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(GALLATIN, TN) – SUNDAY, October 26, 2014, Lorraine Harrell, Award-winning writer and her generous residency retreat sponsor, founder of ‘Africa House,’ Dr. Arikana Chihombori, will host the writers reading and networking reception.

The Four Selected Winning Writers in Several Literary Arts Categories Are: • Erica A. Briggs of North Carolina, the South Charleston, in Nonfiction and Fiction. Erica is a Director of an artinfused leadership development program at Metonia Youth Leadership Academy.

• Terri E. Liggins of Las Vegas, NV, in Nonfiction, author of Get Your R.A.W.On. She’s a Ghostwriter for celebrities, a raw health food blogger, and markets workshops for baby boomers on how to enjoy the second half of their lives with less illnesses and more retirement money.

• Lydia Nayo of Oakland, CA., in Fiction, for her novel Learning to Waltz. She received a B.A. degree in English/Creative Writing from San Francisco State and law degree from Georgetown University. She is a Vona (Voices) alum.

• Sandra M. Nelson, of Guilford, CT., in Fiction for her novel Somebody’s Calling My Name. Sandra has a B.S., in the Science of Nursing., and earned a master’s degree in Psychiatry from Yale University. She spent nine years as a clinical supervisor and assistant professor at Yale University.

Heart of a Woman, Founder - Lorraine Harrell’s writer’s residency program annual commitment is to develop and provide an excellent venue, in which talented African-American Women Emerging Women Writers 40 and Over whom exhibit exceptional talent, can thrive, create and ultimately complete their creative writing projects, once they’ve been granted an opportunity to devote a significant amount of uninterrupted time and concentration toward the execution and completion of a works-in-progress. This necessary respite, affords devoted, talented writers, the luxury of solitude to ruminate with their muse, and conjure up fresh ideas, as well as evokes inspiration, as well as allows the writers the necessary space and time to connect with their passion, in a fuller, deeper experience, which encourages the unbridled freedom and exploration to commune with one’s truest voice.

Dr. Arikana Chihombori, Heart of a Woman’s Residency Sponsor, has so generously offered her ‘Africa House,’ mansion for two-weeks, free room, board and meals, to five exceptionally talented writers, so that they may work on their individual literary projects in an harmonious, elegant, expansive, oasis of nature; conducive to tuning into one’s creative muse.

Dr. Chihombori is a native of Zimbabwe, and is a highly touted physician. After completing her education at Fisk University, she matriculated at Meharry Medical College and earned degrees in general chemistry, master’s degree and a Doctor of Medicine degree. She is the President and CEO of Bell Family Medical Center, and the Medical Director of Mid Tenn Medical Associates, as well as the Medical Director for Smyrna Ambulance Service. Dr. Chihombori is also the International Chair AU-DAF (African Disapora Forum), and the Chair of the African Diaspora Health Initiative. She works with mobile health professional workers and friends to develop solutions for Africa’s health challenges. She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians, and Stones River Regional Independent Physician Association.

For more info., contact Lorraine Harrell at (312) 401-7177. Please visit our website: www.heartofawoman.ws.

http://twitter.com/heartofawoman77. Follow us on Twitter

####

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Africa News

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Africa News

Queen Bunmi Ajibade & Her Voice Blender ( aka Mama Miliki ) Mrs. Olubunmi Ajibade Hassan popularly known in juju music circle as Mama Miliki is bringing new flavor into Juju music with a touch of Juju Maestro Chief Ebenezer Obey’s style in instrumentality and vocal rendition. Her post role as PRO with Chief Ebenezer Obey’s band inspired her interest in music and today, Mama Miliki has completed studio work on 10 track albums which are currently being played on the radio.

Married with four boys and a girl to late Alhaji Ajibade-Hassan nee Aboderin and had show business tutelage under some late music and show business icons such as Ade Love, Art Alade, Yomi Taiwo and Bode Ogundimu aka Swing Paw Paw. Before coming into music, Mama Miliki made remarkable marks in the sporting arena playing professional lawn tennis that took her to international tournaments. Later, she became Chairman of the Lagos State Wushu Kungfu Association.

Her kitty is the award for recognition tagged London’s New Year Day Parade 2013 ( LNYDP ) given to her by Queen of England.

A graduate of Guardian and Counseling from Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye. She currently plays at corporate and social events popularising her genre of music.

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The First Family celebrating Christmas with their Annual Holiday Photo

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Africa News

“In celebration of the most beautiful woman in the world”

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Press Release for Immediate Release AFRICAN GLOBAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAILS U.S. RESPONSE TO EBOLA Chicago, IL – September 21, 2014 -- African Global Chamber of November Commerce (AGCC) hails US Government’s efforts to mobilize resources to assist Ebola victims in West Africa.

On Tuesday, President Obama said the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the humanitarian crisis there is a top national security priority of the United States.

“I am sure thousands of local businesses have been affected and we regret that our brothers and sisters in Africa are suffering from this terrible disease,” said Olivier Kamanzi, President and CEO, African Global Chamber of Commerce. “It is important that Africans in the Diaspora mobilize resources to help as well. I am pleased that the US government is working to assist citizens and their governments of the affected nations to control the epidemic and build health care infrastructure.”

U.S. Africa Command, with an estimated 3,000 soldiers, will set up a Joint Force Command headquartered in Monrovia, Liberia, to provide regional command and control support to U.S. military activities and facilitate coordination with U.S. government and international relief efforts.

Engineers will build additional Ebola Treatment Units in affected areas. U.S. Government will help recruit and organize medical personnel to staff them. A site will be established to train up to 500 health care providers per week. USAID will provide communities and households with protection kits.

The deadly epidemic has engulfed thousands of citizens from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Senegal. According to the World Health 24 Africa USA Today Organization, an estimate of 20,000 people will be infected before the

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KWANZAA An African-American Celebration of Culture -Juanita Price-Crear Kwanzaa is a unique African-American celebration, which focuses on traditional African principles of family, community, responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It is a seven-day celebration, which celebrates a different principle each day.

Kwanzaa is neither a religious nor a political holiday, rather a seven-day celebration that begins on December26 and continues through January first. The week is a time of fasting, feasting, teaching, learning, self-examination and rituals.

Despite some misconceptions, it is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time for reaffirming African-American people with their ancestors and culture.

Dr. Maulana (Ron) Karenga, who is currently chair of black studies at California State University in Long Beach, founded Kwanzaa in 1966. It reported that more than 18 million people worldwide observe Kwanzaa. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional “a” to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference in the African-American celebration (Kwanzaa) and the Motherland (Africa) spelling (Kwanza).

Kwanzaa means, “First fruit of the harvest” in Kiswahili, but there is no festival of that name in any African society. Kwanzaa has gained tremendous acceptance.

Each day of Kwanzaa, a family member lights a candle, then discusses the one of the seven principles. The principles, along with Dr. Karenga’s elucidation of the principles in 1965, are:

First Day: Umoja (OO-MQ-JAH) Unity) -To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race which is reflected in the African saying “I am We”, or” I am because We are.”

Second Day: Kujichagulia (KOQ-GEE-CHA-LEEYAH) Self Determination; To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for, and spoken for by others.

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Third Day: Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility; To build and maintain our community together, and to make our sisters’ and brothers’ problems our problems and to solve them together.

Fourth Day: Ujamaa (QO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative Economics; To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other business and profit from them together.

Five Day: Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose; To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Sixth Day: Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity; To do always as much as we can, in whatever way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Seventh Day: Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith; To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and in the righteousness and victory of the struggle.

AFRICA USA TODAY 27

Celebrating, Kwanzaa, it is always best to get an early start. If you want to adhere strictly to the Kwanzaa program as Dr. conceived it, here is what you need to have and what they mean: • A Kinara a seven-branched candleholder, which symbolizes the continent and people of Africa.

• Mkeka a square place mat preferably made from straw, which represents the reverence for tradition.

• Mazao fruits, nuts and vegetables, which stand for the product of unified effort. Place items in a straw or wooden bowl.

• Vibunzi—an ear of corn to reflect the number of children in the family (must use dried corn).

• Kikombe cha umoia a communal unity cup for libation, this should be a wooden cup.

• Mishumaa saba the seven candles, one black candle (placed in the center of the linara) three red candles (placed to the right of the black candle) and three green candles (placed to the left of the black candle).

Each candle symbolizing one of the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles, that Black American should live by on a daily basis and which are reinforced during Kwanzaa.

- Zawadi simple gifts, that are handmade, enriching, and related to education or to things African or African-influenced.

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It is important that the Kinara not to be confused with the Menorah. The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles, which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you do not have a Kinara, and do not know where to get one, it is suggested that you use “Kuumba” (creativity) and make one. A piece of driftwood will do just fine, with screw-in candleholders can be purchased in most hardware stores.

Mkeka (place mat) should not present a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, use one with an African print which is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops) in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw or a wooden bowl will do.

Households without any children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood.

Place these items together on a table with a traditional African tablecloth. However, all seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece.

THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU A lavish feast, the Kwanzaa Karamu, which, in keeping with the theme of black unity, may draw on the cuisines of the Caribbean, Africa, South American, wherever Africans were taken, marks December 31. In addition to food, the Karamu is an opportunity for confetti storm of cultural expression: dance and music, readings and remembrances.

The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort.

Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that uses black, red, and green color scheme.

A large Kwanzaa setting should govern the room were Karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for selfservice. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell and a call to greater unity. Here is Dr. Karenga’s suggested way of conducting a Karamu: > Kukaribisha Means, Welcome Introductory remarks and recognition of distinguished guests and elders. Cultural expression through songs, music, dance unity circles, etc. > Kukumbuka Means, Remember Reflections of a man, a woman, and a child.

Cultural expression Kuchunguza tena na kutoa tena Means, Reassessment and Recommitment.

Introduction of distinguished guest lecturer and short talk. > Kushangilla Means, Rejoicing Tamshi Ia tambiko (Libation statement) Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup) Kutoa majina (calling names of family ancestors and black heroes) Ngoma The drums > Kararmu The feast Cultural expression > Tamshi Ia tutaonana A Farewell Statement —

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HOME DECORATING The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and should not result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home.

You can use black, red and green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers and African prints can be hung tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well.

GIFTS Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, these symbols that can be made, should be made. The giving gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable and of an educational or artistic nature.

Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January jSt the last day of Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.

Kwanzaa Karamu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year’s Eve should plan their Karamu early in the evening).

The Karamu is a very special event, the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots.

Juanita Price-Crear AFRICA USA TODAY 29

312/ 880-7016

E-mail: usafriglo@yahoo.com 224/306-8411 312/ 880-7016

Latino Fashion Week A week of Showing Latino Fashion designs

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John E. Smith Jr. Photography

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Latino Fashion Week

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John E. Smith Jr. Photography

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Latino Fashion Week

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John E. Smith Jr. Photography

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Women’s International Unity Forum

John E. Smith Jr. Photography

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Book Club Skip To Search Skip To Content [] []

Seven Spools of Thread A Kwanzaa Story Medearis, Angela Shelf (Book ­ 2000) When they are given the seemingly impossible task of turning thread into gold, the seven Ashanti brothers put aside their differences, learn to get along, and embody the principles of Kwanzaa. Includes information on Kwanzaa, West African cloth weaving, and instructions Print for making a belt.

Details Full Record Additional Info Publisher: Morton Grove, Ill. : Albert Whitman, 2000.

ISBN: 9780807573150 0807573159 Characteristics: 1 v. (unpaged) :,col. ill. ;,26 cm.

Additional Contributors: Minter, Daniel Reviews Booklist Ages 5^­8. In The Seven Days of Kwanzaa: How to Celebrate Them (1994), the author offered ideas, including crafts and recipes, for celebrating the cultural holiday. This latest title is an original folktale that will help introduce children to the holiday's seven principles, while also suggesting how Kente cloth was first created. In a Ghanian village, a father's will commands that his seven argumentative sons must make gold from silk thread "by the time the moon rises," without fighting. Working together, the brothers create a tapestry of Kente cloth, the first multicolored cloth the village has seen, which they sell to the king's treasurer for gold, before returning to their village to farm and live harmoniously. Well­paced, the story incorporates the Kwanzaa values without spelling them out too much. Minter's attractively composed, dramatic painted linocuts, with strong community images and lively, silhouetted figures, root the story in a sun­drenched, magical landscape that will draw children even after repeated readings. An introductory section, with glossary and pronunciation guide explaining the principles, and an appended craft activity round out the volume. ­­Gillian Engberg

Strong Women only IntImIdate Weak men

SHARE THIS BOOK WITH 10 OF YOUR FRIENDS

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Book Club Features Copyright: John E. Smith Jr. Photography

Michelle Duster, great grand-daughter of Ida B. Wells (reknown activist & author), has written and published books entitled “Ida In Her Own Words” and “Ida From Abroad: The timeless writings of Ida B. Wells from England in 1994”.

ARISE & SHINE: Get a copy of this divine spiritual prayer book: 'OPERATION TAKE‐OVER THE DAY' by Apostle A.O. SOLOMON, of THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY MINISTRIES. It will surely bless you, and your families. it will even make your enemy to want to be your friend. Believe it!

Facebook.com/Africa‐USA Today Magazine, www.issuu.com/Olawale Idreez, Email: africatoday10@yahoo.com, 312.880.7016.

MERRY XMAS, HAPPY PRE‐KWANZA, AND CELEBRATE THE 'REASON FOR THE SEASON' with LOVE & RESPECT FOR YOUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS. AND PLEASE REMEMBER: DON'T TEXT OR DRINK WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. HAPPY 2015 IN ADVANCE! Publisher, Africa‐USA Today Magazine. CB#: 224‐306‐8411

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