Happy Kwanzaa! Habari Gani: Umoja
- What
- Happy Kwanzaa! Habari Gani: Umoja
- When
- 12/26/2024
58th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration For more information on Kwanzaa visit the official site at https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture that takes place from December 26 to January 1:
Name
The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits".
Origins
Kwanzaa was created by activist Maulana Karenga in 1966, drawing inspiration from harvest festivals in West, East, and Southeast Africa.
Celebration
Kwanzaa celebrations vary by family, but often include:
Singing and dancing
African drums
Storytelling
Poetry reading
A large traditional meal called Karamu, usually on the sixth day
Lighting a candle on the kinara, a candleholder with seven candles, each representing one of the seven principles
Discussing one of the seven principles, also known as the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili)
Principles
The seven principles are:
12/26 Umoja (unity)
12/27 Kujichagulia (self-determination)
12/28 Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
12/29 Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
12/30 Nia (purpose)
12/31 Kuumba (creativity)
01/01 Imani (faith)
Reflection
The holiday ends with a day of reflection and recommitment to the seven principles and other cultural values.