Listen to the audio-book narrated by actor, playwright, producer John "Rusty" Proctor. John warmly tells the story of Darryl Blueberry, a down-and-out dad who strives to win back the affection of his family by commercializing Kwanzaa, but only maintains unity after embracing the Seven Principles (Ngoza Saba).
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Dear Reader,
If you have ever been entrusted with something valuable that belonged to someone else ( a car that you got to drive; a unique and priceless one of a kind piece of jewelry; or perhaps even looking after someone's child) then you will understand where I am coming from with these words. When the author, James Henry (I call him JDob) approached me about writing a forward, I realized how important a task this was because not only is this precious to him; I have a special fondness for this story as well.
Additionally, I see the potential for this story to be as precious to countless others.
Over the past 10 years or so, I have had the pleasure of reading many of JDob's books, stories and screenplays and I always feel good after reading his work. He makes me laugh with his style and also always challenges me to think. He is extremely intelligent and I am always amazed by all that he knows and what a curious learner he is. So much so, that it didn't surprise me at all to hear that he had merged together the age-old story of Santa Claus and the more recent tradition of Kwanzaa introduced into the African American culture by professor Maulana Karenga.
The two celebrations are very different in their expressions; Christmas is a one day celebration while Kwanzaa takes place over seven days. However, as the author points out in the story - "Christmas used to be twelve days long". The two celebrations fit well together as you will see.
Perhaps the first words you will read are these and I therefore want to make sure that I emphasize the value of this story for you and for your family. Knowing how valuable this story that I am describing is makes me want to be sure that I treat the description as carefully as any of us would with any of the other items mentioned above. So, here it is...
This is a fabulous story of wonderment, surprises and the magic of the Christmas spirit for ALL. This story is a multicultural romp through Los Angeles streets (and rooftops) that is set against the background and lessons of the celebration of Kwanzaa and it's guiding principles (the Nguzo Saba). The reader gets to enjoy this story while at the same time learning a bit about other cultures (shhh, don't tell your children they'll be learning too).
Our main character, Darryl, is a good hearted man with the fatal flaw of being a bit self-absorbed. His eyes are opened at a crises point in his life by none other than, Santa Claus. In desperation, Darryl takes advantage of an opportunity to take a short cut to looking like a hero. Through the story, our hero learns to focus on others; he learns about self sacrifice; and most importantly, he experiences redemption. What a great time of year for a story about being born anew!
I sincerely believe that you will enjoy and learn as much from this story as I did. Whether you already celebrate Kwanzaa or have always been curious, this story will deliver fun, fantasy and some cultural education thrown in as well. Please turn the page and enjoy - Kwanzaa Klaus!
John Proctor
Story Creator and co-writer of FaithTies: A Christmas Play.
If you have ever been entrusted with something valuable that belonged to someone else ( a car that you got to drive; a unique and priceless one of a kind piece of jewelry; or perhaps even looking after someone's child) then you will understand where I am coming from with these words. When the author, James Henry (I call him JDob) approached me about writing a forward, I realized how important a task this was because not only is this precious to him; I have a special fondness for this story as well.
Additionally, I see the potential for this story to be as precious to countless others.
Over the past 10 years or so, I have had the pleasure of reading many of JDob's books, stories and screenplays and I always feel good after reading his work. He makes me laugh with his style and also always challenges me to think. He is extremely intelligent and I am always amazed by all that he knows and what a curious learner he is. So much so, that it didn't surprise me at all to hear that he had merged together the age-old story of Santa Claus and the more recent tradition of Kwanzaa introduced into the African American culture by professor Maulana Karenga.
The two celebrations are very different in their expressions; Christmas is a one day celebration while Kwanzaa takes place over seven days. However, as the author points out in the story - "Christmas used to be twelve days long". The two celebrations fit well together as you will see.
Perhaps the first words you will read are these and I therefore want to make sure that I emphasize the value of this story for you and for your family. Knowing how valuable this story that I am describing is makes me want to be sure that I treat the description as carefully as any of us would with any of the other items mentioned above. So, here it is...
This is a fabulous story of wonderment, surprises and the magic of the Christmas spirit for ALL. This story is a multicultural romp through Los Angeles streets (and rooftops) that is set against the background and lessons of the celebration of Kwanzaa and it's guiding principles (the Nguzo Saba). The reader gets to enjoy this story while at the same time learning a bit about other cultures (shhh, don't tell your children they'll be learning too).
Our main character, Darryl, is a good hearted man with the fatal flaw of being a bit self-absorbed. His eyes are opened at a crises point in his life by none other than, Santa Claus. In desperation, Darryl takes advantage of an opportunity to take a short cut to looking like a hero. Through the story, our hero learns to focus on others; he learns about self sacrifice; and most importantly, he experiences redemption. What a great time of year for a story about being born anew!
I sincerely believe that you will enjoy and learn as much from this story as I did. Whether you already celebrate Kwanzaa or have always been curious, this story will deliver fun, fantasy and some cultural education thrown in as well. Please turn the page and enjoy - Kwanzaa Klaus!
John Proctor
Story Creator and co-writer of FaithTies: A Christmas Play.