Family guides others to celebrate Kwanzaa By MATT LEHKY, Staff Writer Bedford Sun Banner - Thursday, December 26, 2002 A South Euclid family is sharing its traditions to help others celebrate the holiday of Kwanzaa.  Keesha McMillian, 38, and her mother, Pat, have co-authored a book, "The McMillian Family Guide to Kwanzaa."  "Kwanzaa is an acknowledgment of our ancestors' struggle especially with slavery and a remembrance to them," Keesha McMillian said.  The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It begins today and ends on Jan 1.  The seven-day celebration reinforces seven principles: unity, self-determination, purpose, creativity, faith, cooperative economics and responsibility.  "Each day we light a candle, talk about the meaning of the principles, do an activity together or have a speaker," she said.  She said even though it takes place during the Christmas season, it is a separate celebration.  "There are no religious or political ties to it. It is not about Santa or Jesus. It is just a celebration of African-American culture," she said. She added that Kwanzaa is not celebrated only by African-Americans.  "It is not just restricted to us. The key is you have to be willing to look at our culture with an open mind. That's all it takes," she said. Keesha McMillian said the family has printed 200 copies of the book. Some will be sold while others will be donated to non-profit organizations.  "We wanted to write this because I think there are families that are curious about Kwanzaa and how they should celebrate it.  It has 'not been around that long, and I am sure there are many questions people have," she said. Pat McMillian said the book is a walk-through of how a family can celebrate the different principles. "For cooperative economics, we talk about how you should support and embrace small businesses specifically the ones that give back," she said. "For responsibility, you must realize that your actions should be responsible to yourself and your community."  The McMillian family started celebrating Kwanzaa together as a family 10 years ago. Each year since, they have hosted a party on the last day of the holiday. "This is about our roots, our culture and this holiday should not be overlooked. We need to pass on positive values to our children and make sure they know their ancestry," she said.  In 2001, they rented out the South Euclid Community Center and more than 150 attended the event. This year they will be hosting a private celebration at their home. "It is becoming more and more popular for people to celebrate it. Hopefully, it will continue that way," McMillian said. Anyone interested in purchasing the book contact the family by calling  (216)321-1539. More information is available on the Web Site www.kimcreations.com.