Holidays For Black Folks

Our Culture is Who We Are and How We Behave and it Must be Defined and Celebrated by Us.

The importance of recognizing and celebrating the cultural heritage of Black People in America cannot be overstated. Throughout history, there have been concerted efforts to diminish, distort, or erase the culture and heritage of Black people in America. HolidaysForBlackFolks.com seeks to reclaim and uplift these essential components of Black identity through a diverse range of multimedia content and digital resources.

By championing holidays that authentically represent the experiences, traditions, and values of Black People in America, this platform serves as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and empowerment. It fosters a sense of community and belonging while also providing educational opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with and appreciate the rich tapestry of Black culture.

Moreover, by amplifying these important cultural touchstones, HolidaysForBlackFolks.com contributes to the broader dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the historical and ongoing contributions of Black people in America, ultimately enriching the collective tapestry of American culture.

In essence, this multimedia campaign and digital platform not only honors the vibrant heritage and traditions of Black People in America but also serves as a catalyst for positive social change and greater cultural understanding. It stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and beauty of Black culture, providing a platform for celebration, education, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

WHY HOLIDAYS FOR BLACK FOLKS?

The founder of Holidays For Black Folks, Queen Adria Muhammad, has been inspired and is divinely guided to lead this initiative. Her inspiration to focus on defining the culture of Black people in America began in 1986 with the celebration of Kwanzaa at Union Temple Baptist Church (UTBC) under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Willie F. Wilson (Chief Nana Kwadwo Boafo, I), who is also an ordained Wolof Priest in Gambia West Africa. Affectionately called “Reb”, he sparked enthusiasm for Black culture with his annual celebration of “Kwanzaa,” a holiday founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, and has been celebrated at UTBC for the past 47 years with Chief Kwadwo presiding over the ceremonies. Reb is the founder of “UniFest,” one of the largest cultural arts festivals on the east coast, and he was the executive producer of the historic “Million Man March” under the leadership of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. The anniversary of the Million Man March has been commemorated as the “Justice or Else Movement” and is celebrated annually as “The Holy Day of Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility.” Further inspiration came from people like Sister Ayo Handy-Kendi, founder of “Black Love Day” and the African American Holiday Association (AAHA), as well as DeJuan Bouvean, founder of “The African American (Black) Cultural Day Calendar”. In 1998, DeJuan Bouvean endeavored to solicit social support for what he developed as “African American (Black) Cultural Days”. More than 300 Black organizations were contacted and they accepted and agreed to socially support the existence of these commemorative days in the Black Culture of America. This persistent effort to recognize and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Black people in America demonstrates the profound impact of these leaders and their initiatives on shaping the cultural landscape of the nation.

The campaign and platform draw their greatest inspiration from the inherent need for more opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse and rich tapestry of Black culture. Unfortunately, many commemorative days of Black culture and heritage in America remain underacknowledged and undercelebrated by Black communities, mainly due to a lack of promotion and widespread exposure. This absence of recognition hinders these occasions from becoming staple celebrations of Black culture, thereby perpetuating the underrepresentation of Black history and traditions.

The mission of this campaign and platform is to address this oversight by amplifying these important cultural milestones, fostering a deeper appreciation for Black heritage, and promoting widespread recognition of these significant days. Through these efforts, the goal is to empower Black communities to proudly embrace and celebrate their culture, instilling a sense of unity and pride in their diverse heritage.

We are the Black descendants of Africans enslaved in America known as the lost tribe of Shabazz as taught by The Most Honorable Elijah Muhamad, whose historical significance has been under acknowledged and disregarded despite his life long dedication to the liberation of Black people in America. Our unique experience of surviving the genocidal holocaust of chattel slavery has distinguished us in the world diaspora of Black People. If we are to experience the Umoja of Black People worldwide we must identify ourselves and realize our cultural value. We must control the narrative of who we are and how we behave. We control our narrative by defining and celebrating our culture and ancient heritage.

Our history is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people. The struggles and triumphs of our ancestors continue to shape our identity and define our journey. Embracing our heritage is not only a means of preserving our legacy, but also a way to empower future generations with the knowledge of our roots and achievements. By reclaiming our narrative and celebrating our cultural richness, we pave the way for a brighter and more united future, marked by solidarity and understanding among Black communities worldwide.

In the pursuit of Umoja, the unity of Black People globally, it is imperative that we acknowledge the diversity within our community while recognizing the common threads that bind us together. Our cultural heritage is a source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration that can guide us as we navigate the complexities of the modern world. As we define and celebrate our culture and ancient heritage, we not only honor the legacy of our ancestors but also assert our place in the tapestry of human history.

The journey of self-discovery and empowerment begins with understanding and embracing our narrative. By taking ownership of our identity, we pave the way for a future where the contributions and experiences of Black people are acknowledged and respected on a global scale. Our narrative is a reflection of our resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit – it is a narrative that demands to be heard, cherished, and celebrated.

While it’s true that Black holidays are not the sole representation of the rich and diverse culture of Black people in America, it’s undeniable that the fullest expression of this culture and its value often occurs during celebrations. These moments of joyful expression and commemoration serve as powerful conduits for the narration of the culture of Black America. As a result, HolidaysForBlackFolks.com will embark on “Narrating the Culture of Black America” through the vibrant tapestry of its celebratory traditions.