BabaObaK-II
Texas Kwanzaa Journey

A Story of Heritage, Unity & Celebration
By OBA William King
Storytelling King
Featuring the Grand Mother of Juneteenth
Mrs. Opal Lee
Welcome to Our Kwanzaa Celebration

Join BabaObaK-II on a magical journey through Texas as we celebrate Kwanzaa, a special time for African American families to honor our heritage and build community.

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Each day we light a candle on the Kinara and reflect on one of the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) that strengthen our families and communities.

[Illustration: BabaObaK-II standing with the Kinara, seven candles glowing warmly in a Texas landscape]
This story takes us from the piney woods of East Texas to the bustling cities of Dallas and Houston, meeting elders, artists, and community leaders who keep our traditions alive.

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December 26 – Umoja (Unity)
We Are All Each Other’s People

BabaObaK-II begins his journey in Marshall, Texas, where he meets Mrs. Opal Lee, the Grand Mother of Juneteenth. She teaches him that unity starts with understanding our shared history.

“We are all each other’s people,” Mrs. Lee says, her eyes twinkling with wisdom. “United we stand, divided we fall.”

[Illustration: Mrs. Opal Lee and BabaObaK-II holding hands with diverse community members in a circle]
Family Activity: Unity Circle

• Gather your family in a circle

• Each person shares one thing they love about your family

• Light the first black candle (Umoja) together

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December 27 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Defining Ourselves

Traveling to Dallas, BabaObaK-II visits the African American Museum at Fair Park. He learns how our ancestors defined themselves through art, music, and storytelling despite the challenges they faced.

A docent explains, “Kujichagulia means we name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.”

[Illustration: BabaObaK-II looking at beautiful African art and masks in the museum, his reflection showing pride]
Family Activity: Name Story

• Research the meaning of your name

• Draw a picture that represents who you want to be

• Light the first red candle (Kujichagulia)

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December 28 – Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
Building Together

In Fort Worth, BabaObaK-II helps build a community garden with local children. They plant collard greens, okra, and sweet potatoes—foods that connect us to our Southern roots.

“Ujima means we solve our problems together,” explains a community elder. “When one of us struggles, we all help.”

[Illustration: Children and elders working together in a vibrant garden, Texas sunset in background]
Family Activity: Helper Chart

• Make a chart of family responsibilities

• Each person chooses one new way to help this week

• Light the first green candle (Ujima)

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December 29 – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Supporting Our Own

BabaObaK-II visits Black-owned businesses in Houston’s Third Ward. He sees how supporting each other economically builds strong communities.

At a bookstore, he meets the owner who says, “Ujamaa means we build and maintain our own stores, shops, and businesses. We keep our dollars circulating in our community.”

[Illustration: BabaObaK-II shopping at various Black-owned businesses in a vibrant neighborhood]
Family Activity: Business Plan

• Think of a small business idea your family could start

• List three Black-owned businesses you can support

• Light the second red candle (Ujamaa)

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December 30 – Nia (Purpose)
Our Reason for Being

In Austin, BabaObaK-II attends a storytelling festival. He hears griots share ancient tales that have been passed down for generations.

A storyteller tells him, “Nia means we restore our people to their traditional greatness. Our purpose is to lift each other up.”

[Illustration: BabaObaK-II on stage storytelling, audience captivated, Texas State Capitol in distance]
Family Activity: Purpose Poster

• Write down your personal goals for the new year

• Share how your goals can help your community

• Light the second green candle (Nia)

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December 31 – Kuumba (Creativity)
Creating Beauty

BabaObaK-II travels to San Antonio, where he learns to make traditional Kwanzaa crafts. He creates a Kinara from wood and decorates it with African symbols.

“Kuumba means we use our creativity to make our community more beautiful and beneficial,” says the craft master.

[Illustration: BabaObaK-II carving wood, surrounded by colorful Kwanzaa crafts and decorations]
Family Activity: Creative Project

• Make a homemade Kwanzaa card for someone special

• Create a family banner with the Nguzo Saba principles

• Light the third red candle (Kuumba)

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January 1 – Imani (Faith)
Believing in Ourselves

On the final day, BabaObaK-II returns home to celebrate with a great feast (Karamu). All the friends he’s made along the way join him.

Mrs. Opal Lee raises her cup and says, “Imani means we believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, and our leaders. We believe in the victory of our struggle.”

[Illustration: Joyful Karamu feast with all characters from the story, Kinara fully lit, Texas landscape]
Family Activity: Faith Statements

• Each family member completes: “I believe in…”

• Share your hopes for the coming year

• Light the final green candle (Imani)

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Habari Gani! What’s the News?

Our Kwanzaa journey through Texas has taught us that these seven principles are not just for one week—they are for living every day of the year.

When we practice Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani, we honor our ancestors and build a better future for our children.

[Illustration: BabaObaK-II waving goodbye, sunrise over Texas, Kinara glowing in the foreground]
The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba)

Umoja (Unity) – To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work) – To build and maintain our community together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) – To build and maintain our own stores and businesses.

Nia (Purpose) – To make our collective vocation the building of our community.

Kuumba (Creativity) – To do always as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful.

Imani (Faith) – To believe with all our heart in our people and the righteousness of our struggle.

Asante Sana (Thank You Very Much)
For Sharing This Journey
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About the Author

[Photo of OBA William King]
OBA William King, known as the “Storytelling King,” is a Teaching Artist and Cultural Specialist based in Texas. Through his platform JUSTUSarts Educational Entertainment, he brings African American history and culture to life through storytelling, music, and interactive performances.

Oba captivates audiences of all ages with his dynamic presentations that celebrate heritage while building bridges of understanding. His work has been featured in schools, libraries, museums, and cultural centers throughout Texas and beyond.

Special thanks to Mrs. Opal Lee, the Grand Mother of Juneteenth, for her wisdom and guidance in sharing the importance of cultural celebrations.

Connect with OBA William King:

Website: http://www.ilvmyppl.com

Instagram: @storytellingking • @Oba4062

Facebook: JUSTUSarts Educational Entertainment

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Resources & Credits

Learn More About Kwanzaa

• Official Kwanzaa Website: http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

• The African American Museum (Dallas): http://www.aamdallas.org

• National Museum of African American History and Culture

Texas Juneteenth History

• Mrs. Opal Lee’s Juneteenth Museum (Fort Worth)

• Texas Historical Commission Juneteenth Resources

Book Credits

Story & Concept: OBA William King

Special Thanks: Mrs. Opal Lee, Grand Mother of Juneteenth

Educational Consultant: JUSTUSarts Educational Entertainment

[Illustration: Map of Texas showing all the cities visited in the story]
Ase’!
(Let it be so! / Amen!)

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