In my elementary school, my fourth grade teacher, Ms. Crockett, came to school on a day before the holiday break, dressed in traditional African clothing and taught us about the holiday and showed us her Kinara and Mishumaa Sabato (7 candles). She did this every year, and it was a very special tradition.

And what I love about Kwanzaa is that it is more than a holiday—it’s a reclamation of identity, a celebration of Black heritage, and a space to reflect on the values that sustain us. At its heart are the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles that serve as a guide for living with intention, collaboration, and purpose.

So I wanted to share that with you in this blog.

(Originally published on March 2, 2022. Updated on March 8, 2023)
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When I think of truly groundbreaking female entrepreneurs, there are three things they all have in common. They are each unapologetically themselves. Their work creates space for other women. They propel women forward. 

When self-doubt or uncertainty creeps in, I think of women like these four below, and try to proceed with as much gumption as I can.