Katura J. Hudson

Today is the last day of Kwanzaa. Every day of Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 - Jan. 1) focuses on a principle, collectively called the Nguzo Saba. The principle for today is Imani, which means faith. Today is also Haitian Independence Day. On January 1, 1804, Haiti made history becoming the first Black republic and the first country in the Western Hemisphere  to abolish slavery.  There’s something extra special about these two celebrations falling on January 1 — about bringing in a new year grounded in thoughts of freedom & faith. Just a bit of what’s on my mind as we welcome 2022. Happy New Year! Photo description: my fully lit kinara sits on my bookshelf, on top of fabric from West Africa. With it is a plant, a printed list of the Nguzo Saba, ears of corn, an Ankh and cowrie shells.

I don’t remember being told, “we’re going to start celebrating Kwanzaa.” We just did. I think I was 12.  Kinara in place. New terms trying to roll off the tongue.  “Habari Gani.” “Umoja.” “Kujichagulia.” That was my favorite one to practice. Karamu at the Wesleys’. Forming a big circle and calling out the names of our ancestors.  And a few years later, leading Kwanzaa celebrations at church because as I often had to explain, yes, you can be Christian and celebrate Kwanzaa too.  Whether you officially celebrate Kwanzaa or not, I hope we all take inspiration from the Nguzo Saba or seven principles that are its foundation. (Learn about them here) HARAMBEE!! (Let’s pull together) Photo description: Celebrating Ujamaa: me, my friend Maisha, her mom "Mama J," and my mom during one of our many mother-daughter get togethers. The four of us are standing behind a lit kinara.

Back in October, I received an invitation to a holiday pop-up coordinated by the Young Brown Collective. The location was the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn. What's "Weeksville"? That was my question, too.  I didn't find out until I pulled up at 158 Buffalo Ave. on the first snow day of the season. Weeksville is a historic Black settlement - one of the first free Black communities in the U.S. Free Black people came together to buy land in the area (which is now Bed Stuy) in 1838. In addition to homes, Weeksville had its own school, two churches, a newspaper, and other businesses. But by the late 1960s, all but four house in this community were gone. The Weeksville Heritage Center works to preserve and share this important history. The Center was the perfect host location for an event dedicated to supporting small, Black-owned businesses. My mom came with me and we sold some books, bought some gifts, met fellow entrepreneurs, and toured two of the beautifully r...