7 Principles
7 Everyday People
7 Extraordinary Skills
In Our Neighborhood
Who are Kinara's Children?
Kinara’s Children: Everyday Heroes are a series of illustrations and stories based on the 7 principles of the Nguzo Saba, the underlying basis of the Kwanzaa holiday. Each principle is represented by a character who embodies these principles, Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Kuumba, Nia, and Imani.
Aimed at a young audience, it lies somewhere between picture books and comics but it’s not your typical superhero group. They’re regular people from the neighborhood. Each character possesses amazing skills based on hard work and determination. Eventually they’ll come to learn why they’ve been brought together and the awesome power of the collective.
Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles of the Nguzo Saba
Umoja
Unity
Kujichagulia
Self Determination
Ujima
Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa
Cooperative Economics
Nia
Purpose
Kuumba
Creativity
Imani
Faith
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Welcome and Greetings
Hi folks, I’m Darryl Crosby, a designer and illustrator from Northeast, Ohio. Like many African American parents, I searched for culturally relevant books and shows that were fun, informative, and resonated with my lived experience. There’s been more attention paid to culturally diverse youth literature recently but still not enough. More importantly I saw few books or media that spoke to African American values and ideals.
Kinara’s Children was created for the youth but I think students of all ages can learn and laugh and empathize with stories and characters. The details of Kwanzaa, its history, its African roots, and how it’s celebrated will be revealed over time. I hope you join us in this journey.