ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602270055
SECTION: BOOKS PAGE: G-5 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: BOOK REVIEW
SOURCE: REVIEWED BY KATHERINE GRIMES
THE COMPLETE KWANZAA: Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest. By Dorothy Winbush Riley. Harper Collins. $23.
Although Kwanzaa, the black cultural celebration lasting from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, is over for this year, the spirit of Kwanzaa lasts the whole year; therefore, Dorothy Winbush Riley's book is appropriate at any time.
"The Complete Kwanzaa" explains the seven principles of the holiday season: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Riley also explains the origins of the festival which was begun by Dr. Maulenga Karenga in 1966.
Riley includes words and definitions from several African languages and quotations to fit each day of the festival. She offers recipes for the feast and presents brief biographical sketches of prominent blacks she believes represent the principles of Kwanzaa: Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Bill and Camille Cosby and many others.
"The Complete Kwanzaa" is a useful and informative addition to literature about the festival. Anyone who wants to know more about Kwanzaa should enjoy Riley's book.
Katherine Grimes teaches English at Ferrum College.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB