New Year’s Eve is a unique holiday and there are almost endless ways to celebrate. For many, saying goodbye to one year and welcoming the next calls for a lavish celebration or momentous activity. For others, reflection and a quiet night at home is a better fit. Here are some ideas for ringing in 2018.…
Across the Continent, many Africans will be celebrating during the Christmas season. Traditions vary by region, with the unique flavor of national and local cultures contributing to a wide variety of festivities and approaches to the holiday. Below are just a few examples of how some Africans will be spending the holiday. Kenya Christmas is…
Have some last minute holiday shopping to do? Check out these ideas: Beyoncé released an epic collection of humorous merchandise just in time for the holidays. This includes wrapping paper with lyrics from Formation as well as some clothing items. The Galaxy holiday beauty collection from Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty makes for a great gift…
As one of the few countries around the world where Christianity is actually on the rise, the Advent season is observed and celebrated by more than 70 percent of the population of Ghana. The majority of Christians in Ghana are Pentecostal; however, a strong ecumenical council advocates unity across the nation. Similar to many other…
At a time of social conflict and the marginalization of communities and their needs, it is more important than ever to focus on things that bring people together and to celebrate our roots and culture. Kwanzaa gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what is most important in our lives and to recognize traditions that…
This Friday will mark the 29th year of World AIDS Day. This global health day is “an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness,” according to the World AIDS Day site. HIV…
The hashtag #MeToo has been trending globally following reports of sexual harassment occurring mainly against female celebrities by prominent men in Hollywood. The hashtag has brought to light the prevalence of sexual harassment not only in the entertainment industry, but also in everyday situations experienced by women from all over the world. In Africa,…
Thanksgiving is one of our most meaningful holidays. The day is about gratitude and family. Many people travel home to spend time with family while others celebrate “Friendsgiving.” Thanksgiving is usually centered around food and for many, the day is also about football. In many African-American communities, Thanksgiving food goes beyond just the traditional turkey.…
It is generally believed that black people first came to England as slaves. That assumption is a common misperception and one that historian Miranda Kaufmann is working to correct with her first book, Black Tudors: The Untold Story. This remarkable book explores the heretofore unknown history of black people in 16th century England—individuals who lived freely…
As one of the world’s most populous and majestic cities, Rio de Janeiro is home to over six million residents, and about a quarter of them live in favelas, low-income neighborhoods improvised from former shanty towns. The favelas are a reminder of the deep issues of inequality in Brazil; these are poor communities where Brazilian…
