Local Authors Build on African HeritageBy SUSAN B. GRIFFITH
Call and Post Staff Reporter Local authors have focused on some valuable lessons and have called upon the traditions of the African Culture to bring these lessons to children and youth. Keesha McMillian, a counselor with the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center, has released her third Interactive
anti-drug and anti-gang involvement book, while Deborah Sandlain Buchanan’s “The Chocolate Tree” continues to sell as parents seek out literature based in the African storytelling tradition. “The Who Am I Book II” by McMillian builds upon the seven principles espoused through Nguzo Saba. As the candles are lit in Kwanzaa celebrations around the city ih the next week, African-Americans will be
reminded of Umoja (Unity), Kujichaguila (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). McMillian wants area youth to know that these candles stand for more than the seven days of Kwanzaa but can be lifelong principles to guide youth through the times of their lives. Through her work with the Free Clinic, area hospitals, the Catholic Counseling Center and the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center, she began to notice that drug prevention literature talked about kids someplace else. “I didn’t think that kids here always related to it” noted McMillian who set about writing the first
"Who Am I?” book for children between the ages of 5-12 for the Fast Cleveland Neighborhood Center, with funding from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. That book placed children right at home in East Cleveland with real life examples of choices they may have to make on their way to school or to the local stores. The workbook, coloring book and storybook give children the value base
from which to make Sound choices. But McMillian didn’t stop there although the workbook has sold approximately 3,500 copies. Last Spring, she released “The Struggle Continues: Living in the Hood.” This builds upon the first book and follows it with forerunner questions, exercises and stories as the reader examines his or her homelife, friends and their place in this society. After completing
the exercises, the child receives the Nguzo Saba certificate with a pledge to follow these values 365 days a year. “This opens a way for youth with dilemmas to face them,” stated McMillian. “It also reinforces the commitment for self-determination and unity for the common good instead of the
me-me-me or I’m going to get him before he gets me attitude.” she said. Top of Page | 
