January 8, 2016 Post

Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday and celebration by people of African Descent and parts of Africa as a first fruit; first harvest celebration. This cultural celebration is based on seven principles, Nguzo Saba in which African Americans pull together to honor their heritage, legacy, and their ancestors.

In the Seven Spools of Thread each Kwanzaa principles are woven into the story. The story starts off with seven Ashanti brothers from Ghana who argue from sun up to sun down. The brothers were being raised by their father, after the death of their mother. The brothers argue about food, how to tend to the crops, or when to stop working and go home. One sad day their father died. The Chief of the village summoned the seven Ashanti brothers to review their inheritance left by their father. The inheritance will be shared equally among the seven brothers, if they stop arguing and turn seven spools of thread into gold, if not, all their inheritance will be given to the poor.  This is the perfect time of the year for African American families to reflect on these principles and all our heroes and heroin who had laid the foundation for us to have “a better life” in America. As you read the Seven Spools of Thread think about these questions as a family. Is it possible to turn thread into gold? Can the Ashanti brothers stop arguing to fulfill their father’s last wish? What blessing will the poor receive?

It was fun reading this story. The magic of this story comes alive through each page of artwork and vibrant colors.  As you read this story, think about the people in your life that you have cast away or stop talking to because of an argument. Think about the good fortune we African Americans can have in our lives if we just learn how to get along and work together. When we learn how to work together in peace and sincere love for one another, then the magic will come alive for us once again like the phenomenal innovation and creation of Ancient Egypt (Kamit).  We too, will receive the answer of how to turn thread into gold.

 Bookbytes for the Soul is more than just a book review blog. The stories I share is to help families think about life, their attitude about life and the people who cross their pathway. The blog uses stories to help families, including myself as the author think about our own flaws. To reflect upon them and make changes. Change is what is needed among us human beings in order to make the world a better, loving, caring, and blessing for all to live and grow. This is what we should teach the future generation.

To the future, our children.

Bookbytes for the Soul is published by Nooma Monika Rhue all rights reserved.