She doesn't drive a tractor, nor does she own a plow. You have to water, you have to nurture. An estimated 5 million to 18 million African Americans now honor their ancestors, celebrate their accomplishments and commit to a better future during the Kwanzaa holiday season. Each day of Kwanzaa, a different principle is honored and the candle representing it is lit. Ancestors are honored by elder members, who tell stories about the family's history.
Poetry sometimes is read and music played.
The Karamu feast is held on the sixth day, and handmade gifts are exchanged on the last day of Kwanzaa. Riley, through her book, not only shows African Americans how they can celebrate the holiday, she also includes profiles of successful African Americans who represent the seven principles along with inspirational quotes, proverbs, folktales and recipes. A Collection of Quotations by People of Color, began celebrating Kwanzaa in 1966, when it was created by Dr. Maulena Karenga. At that time, little was known then about the holiday. People looked at it as something that came out of the civil rights marches and demonstrations.