Inspired by Frank Muhammad of First Fruit, Frank Muhammad once said, “When my time is up, I just want to be known as a Black man who had a mission to serve Black people and inspire them to live their lives serving other Black people.” These powerful words embody the essence of living a life of purpose and community-driven service. It’s a mission rooted in love, selflessness, and the relentless pursuit of uplifting the Black community—a mission he demonstrated beautifully this Kwanzaa season.
A Season of Transformation
This holiday season, the spirit of Kwanzaa was embraced by families, children, and communities across the country, including a powerful event hosted by Frank Muhammad of First Fruit at Potomac Gardens. The event provided children an opportunity to break free from the consumer-driven mindset that often accompanies traditional holidays. As Frank poignantly noted, “Here it is supposedly Jesus’ birthday, yet everyone else is expecting gifts, so much so that it stresses people out because of the social pressure to conform to it.”
In contrast, Kwanzaa inspired a focus on self-improvement and community development. At Potomac Gardens, children participated in crossword puzzles centered on Kwanzaa’s seven principles, fostering teamwork and meaningful group discussions. These activities prompted the children to reflect on how principles like unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), and collective responsibility (Ujima) could positively impact their lives, their families, and their communities.
The children then put these principles into action by serving a hot meal to community members, prepared by the Mighty FOI (Fruit of Islam) of Muhammad Mosque no 4. This act of service reinforced a profound lesson: giving is most impactful when it flows through us to others. As Frank Muhammad expressed, “If I can’t give through them, then I refuse to give to them.”
This holiday season, many communities reported a renewed embrace of Kwanzaa’s principles. Grassroots organizations, faith-based groups, and schools integrated Kwanzaa’s teachings into their programs, helping participants see how these values extend far beyond the holiday itself. Families shared stories of how adopting these principles fostered stronger bonds, greater self-discipline, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Children who participated in Kwanzaa celebrations learned the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and service. Parents expressed gratitude for a holiday that emphasizes giving back rather than materialism. Community leaders reported that Kwanzaa inspired meaningful conversations about unity, economic empowerment, and collective progress—discussions that will undoubtedly shape actions in the year ahead.
Why We Must Spread the Good News
The success of Kwanzaa this season demonstrates its transformative power. However, we must not stop at celebration—we must spread the good news of what Kwanzaa represents. Frank Muhammad reminds us that “The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan teaches us that we are not introduced to Christ to worship him but to become acquainted with the mind that makes him who he is so that we may be like him also.” Similarly, Kwanzaa introduces us to principles that can shape our lives and communities if we embody them year-round.
Sharing stories of how Kwanzaa has uplifted individuals and families inspires others to adopt these values. It shows that holidays can be about more than fleeting traditions; they can be a call to action for unity, growth, and collective work. When we embrace these principles daily, we create a ripple effect that strengthens our communities from within.
Let us share the stories of transformation from this season and invite others to join the movement. By spreading the message of Kwanzaa, we foster a culture of self-improvement and community development that benefits us all. Together, we can ensure that the principles of Kwanzaa become a guiding light for generations to come—not just during the holidays, but every single day.
As-Salaam-Alaikum
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