BLACK IDENTITY

Celebrating Kwanzaa is not an end in itself. Neither is having an African medallion swinging from your neck, wearing a kente cloth hat, or giving your children African names.

—Eric V. Copage

A fitting quote for the day after Kwanzaa, no? While our annual celebration may be over, the goals and ideals it emphasizes and engenders should help us accomplish all we have to do throughout the year. After all, our pride in being black cannot substitute for pride in our individual efforts and contributions.

Let us indeed draw upon our culture, our traditions, and our history to inspire us to do our part for ourselves, our families and our people. And not just during Kwanzaa—but all the time.

Call to Action: On this day, I will take five minutes to discuss with my child an item relating to black pride—kente cloth, for instance, or a family photograph—and suggest that he let that object inspire him to excellence throughout the day.