Columbus sisters turned authors highlight diversity

As many people continue to celebrate Kwanzaa, three young sisters are hoping to bring cultural awareness through their book series.      

At the ages of 11, 14 and 15 sisters Zahara, Zakiya, and Zalika Obayuwana are continuing to grow a book series that started out by highlighting a holiday they celebrate and wanted to share with others.        

“In our schools, they teach us about Christmas and Hanukkah,” Zakiya said. “But our mom would come in and bring little mandazis, which are like little biscuits, she'd come into our school and teach our class about Kwanzaa because that's something we celebrate.”    

The sisters decided just three years ago to start using their voices to bring the diversity of cultures and holidays that people celebrate in the form of their book series “Zakira presents.”       

“I think it's just important to learn about Kwanzaa and other cultures, so people could have more knowledge about stuff that they might not know,” Zahara said.      

Their series has books with interactive activities, questions and conversations that help kids and families learn about holidays like Juneteenth, Ramadan, and a holiday special to them, Kwanzaa.  They note the impact they have seen from people who have read these books.       

“It's also really touching because kids say they see themselves in the book, like kids of color,” Zalika said. “That's important because a lot of times kids of color don't get to see themselves in books. So, the fact that we could do that for a kid much younger than is really just important.”      

“Zakira presents Kwanzaa” was the first book they wrote in this series; it was important to showcase their traditions and experiences as well as explain the history of the holiday. 

Their goal is to get these books in schools across the country, hoping they will help people appreciate all the cultures that make our world unique.   

“It's really just learning about the world you live in, because if you only know about one culture, you're not going to be equipped when you grow up because you're going to be dealing with different people from different backgrounds, from different skins, from different places around the world,” Zakiya said.       The sisters also explained they want to show kids it doesn't matter how old you are if you have a dream, idea, or a goal to pursue because it can come true. A link to their books can be found here.