Black Farmers in America ~ Restore Agriculture as Foundation of Black Culture

By Michael Harris, California Director
Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association


Sacramento, CA - The State of California is invited to gain a deeper understanding of our Kwanzaa Holiday Season where you can purchase holiday craft gifts, prepare for Kwanzaa celebrations and learn about the global Agriculture industry.

Today, our World Trade Organization, in Hong Kong, China is discussing the fierce obstacles and unlimited opportunities facing Black Farmers. The vicious intentional destruction of Black Farmers in America is directly related to the creative gift to our world, given by Dr. Maulana Karanga and the United Slaves Organization of 1966.

Kwanzaa reflects a unique synthesis of ancient Pan-African traditions with a 1960’s changed reality in America. Progressive ‘Black Power Movements’ throughout California nurtured the Kwanzaa Holiday and represents a unique “California Grown” nutritious product, exported globally, contributing to the forward flow of humanity.

The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" meaning the "first fruit of the harvest," an agricultural tradition of giving the first and best to honor the universal creator of creation. Swahili was selected as the language of Kwanzaa because it is not specific to any nation and represents over a million year’s evolution
of African communal traditions throughout ancient East African Civilizations.

Singing the praises of a successful agriculture harvest remains a strong foundation of many global cultures who celebrate a shared universal sustainable environment where clean water and healthy food available and in in harmony with mother nature.

Kwanzaa represents a complete restoration of our agricultural tradition that pre-dates the Maafa (terrible occurrence) healing the mental and physical damage from centuries of chattel slavery and neocolonialism. Global Black Farmers (80% Black Women) are becoming ‘modern saviors’ of global Black communities by restoring the sacred connection of food production and food consumption required in Black Culture.

Kwanzaa, an ancient living social practice, transcends political boundaries and links five activities and ideals that are common to our agricultural communities globally:

• Ingathering – reaffirms the bonds of community.
• Reverence – thanks is given to the creator for the beauty and bounty of creation.
• Commemoration – honor given to ancestors who are models of human excellence.
• Recommitment – that reaffirms the best values and beliefs that sustains a culture.
• Celebration – unique spiritual expression of all that is good in life.

Symbols for Your Kwanzaa Celebration:

Mazao (Crops) – This is the symbol of the harvest, active support and/or collective labor of Black Farmers as the primary source of food production for the community.

Mkeka (Mat) – A symbol of ancient tradition and modern history, the African fabric is the foundation which the global Black community is built on.

Kinara (Candle Holder) – A wood carving symbol of active support from our sacred ancestors, our foundation, demonstrating in Black excellence in craftsmanship.

Muhindi (Corn) – The symbol of children, the unlimited future of our people.

Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles) – symbols of Nguzo Saba which are the seven principles that are essential to develop a successful agricultural community.

Kikomba Cha Umoja (Unity Cup) – This symbolizes the ancient practice and principle of operational unity in a secure Black community working together.

Zawadi (Gifts) – Is a symbol of the labor and discipline in a household where rewards are given for commitments made and kept by the children.

Choose a central place in your household to set your Kwanzaa symbols. A table or Kitchen counter top is spread with a piece of African fabric. Then, the Mkeka (mat) is placed on the African fabric. The Kinara (candle holder) placed in a central location and filled with the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) colored black (for the people), red (for the blood shed in struggle) and green (for the restoration of our way).

There is one black candle, three red and three green, to represent the Nguzo Saba (seven principles.) Placement of the candles within the Kinara is important. Place the black candle in the center of the Kinara, representing the principal of Umoja (unity). The three red candles are placed to the left of the black candle and represent Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Kuumba (creativity). The three green candles are placed on the right side of the black candle and represent Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose) and Imani (faith). On the first day of Kwanzaa, December 26, the black candle is lit and each day another candle is lit alternating from left (red) to right (green.)

A household discussion takes place where the children are encouraged to reflect upon practical ways to use the principles of Kwanzaa in their daily life. On the final day of Kwanzaa, January 1, a Karamu (a big feast) takes place and all candles are allowed to burn our completely to seal this a season and begin planning for the next season.

Future California Kwanzaa Ag Expo will showcase our living social practice toward agricultural self-sufficiency and highlight our mutually beneficial partnerships around the world to accomplish our objective. Globally, we must provide clean water for nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables to obtain a healthy soul, body and spirit.

Agriculture is the foundation of Black Culture. Master’s of visual art, dance, music literature, science, and praise poetry vary greatly based upon geographic location, economic stability and technical education, yet Tambiko (libation) is poured globally to honor the ancestral spirit that lives within us all. Daily, we can choose to honor the eternal spirit of creation, with our thoughts, actions and deeds, Ashe‘ (it is complete.)