*SCROLL DOWN TO SIGN THE PETITION*

In 2001, George W. Bush became the first American President to light a Menorah in The White House, responding to a call from his supporters and igniting, in the citizens of America, a cross-cultural respect for the customs and holidays existing peaceably within this country. Obama, our first African-American President, on December 16, 2009, would continue the tradition, holding the 2nd largest Hanukkah bash in this White House history, replete with a kosher menu (provided by a kosher catering company) and a kosher White House kitchen to match, sparking both chatter and controversy amongst Jewish supporters over the who's who of the guest list. With over 550 guests, the 2009 Hanukkah bash was, in fact, one of the largest parties of its kind ever to be thrown in the White House. Suffice it to say, the Obama's first Hanukkah was a really BIG DEAL! 

Recognizing the Jewish holiday, The President released a Hanukkah message stating that, "faith and perseverance are powerful forces that can sustain us in difficult times and help us overcome even the greatest odds." And, with that, he and Michelle sent their "warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Hanukkah around the world." The President went on to add that "Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share.  As families, friends and neighbors gather together to kindle the lights, may Hanukkah's lessons inspire us all to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, to find light in times of darkness, and to work together for a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow."

Meanwhile, the media was aflutter with details about the Obama's big Hanukkah celebration: The University of Maryland Jewish a cappella group Kol Sasson were set to perform at the event, and children of a U.S. soldier deployed overseas would light the candles on a menorah on loan from the Jewish Museum of Prague and reported to have been created in 1873; the traditional purification of the White House kitchen and silverware and, of course; drama and squabbles over the guest list. Those of us, founding this petition, were simply left to wonder if the Obama's had given any thought to Kwanzaa and, perhaps, even considered sending an inclusive and inspirational message to 18 million of us worldwide celebrating the African-American holiday; or, better yet, being the first to bring recognition of Kwanzaa to The White House.

Kwanzaa, founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, reinforces seven intrinsic values of the building of family and community. The 7 day holiday has gained widespread acceptance since its inception, yet there are many who lack an understanding of Kwanzaa and its principles, or have rejected it due to its relative novelty. Beyond the African-American community, there is also room for profoundly more understanding of Kwanzaa, and how its principals celebrate unity, self-determination, faith, and other "common aspirations" inferenced in Obama's Hanukkah address.  While all African-Americans do not celebrate Kwanzaa, nor do all Jews practice Judaism or celebrate Hanukkah. Recognizing these holidays in The White House, however, sends a message of inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance to the world, and particularly to the citizens of these ethnic groups, many of whom support the administration. We would like to charge Obama, our first African-American President, with the honor of bringing Kwanzaa to The White House.

Obama's historic election has awakened, in people in America and throughout the world, an opportunity to improve their African-American Cultural Literacy.* And, the Obamas have been presented with a unique opportunity to reintroduce the concept of Kwanzaa to the world, presenting us all with an occasion to celebrate our similarities, instead of our differences, during this festive season of giving and, hopefully, tolerance.

If you would like to see Kwanzaa in The White House please sign the petition below. It may be too late for 2009, the Obama's first White House holiday season, but we'll be sending a message to the Obama's throughout the year, in hopes of White House Kwanzaa festivities in 2010. While a big Christmas and Hanukkah style gala would be warmly welcomed, I believe it would simply be an inspiration for the world to see Michelle and the girls lighting a Kinara, with a few universally applicable words from the great orator himself, our President, Barack Obama.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION HERE: