There’s One Holiday That Isn’t On Our Calendars But Should Be
The holidays are almost upon us. For many, this is the time to gather with loved ones, cook beloved dishes, and give thanks for making it another year. Celebrated on the fourth Sunday in November, this special Black holiday should be on every calendar, too.

In 1971 Edwards Sims, Jr., was looking for a Thanksgiving alternative centered on the Black family.
Swahili for “unity feast,” Umoja Karamu is a ceremonial meal rich in Blackness.
The meal begins with a prayer and pouring of libations to honor the ancestors. The five foods, each represented by a color, symbolize a different era of the Black American experience.
Family members take turns reading about the history of each time period.
Food #1, black-eyed peas, symbolizes the African families before slavery. Food #2, white rice, symbolizes the resilience of enslaved families. Some families don’t season the rice, eating it plain to honor the ancestors who had so little.
Food #3, tomatoes, are red in memory of the blood that we shed in the fight for emancipation. Food #4, collard greens, pays homage to our ancestors' continued struggle after emancipation. Food #5, sweet potatoes and corn are orange and gold, expressing hope for a better future for Black families.
At the end of the meal there’s space to express gratitude for how far we’ve come as a people. How do you celebrate your Blackness during this time of year?
We have a quick favor to ask...
We hope you're enjoying PushBlack Spirit! Spreading the truth about Black spiritual practices and history is just as important to you as it is to us.
And as a small non-profit, we need your support to keep spreading these important stories.
With as little as $5 a month, you will support our tech and writing costs, so we can reach even more people like you. It only takes a minue, so will you please donate now?