Description
Kwanzaa was founded by Maulana Karenga, as a way of uniting and empowering the African-American community. Having modeled his holiday on traditional African harvest festivals, he took the name “Kwanzaa” from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” The extra “a” was added simply to accommodate seven children at the first-ever Kwanzaa celebration in 1966, each of whom wanted to represent a letter.
Kwanzaa is centered around seven principles and each day of the seven days of Kwanzaa — celebrated Dec. 26-Jan. 1 — is dedicated to one of “The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.” The seven principles are:
1. umoja:To maintain unity in the family and community.
2. kujichagulia: Self-determination, to be responsible and speak for oneself.
3. ujima: Collective work and responsibility, to build and maintain a community.
4. ujamaa: Economic co-operation, to help and profit one another.
5. nia: Purpose, to build and develop the community for the benefit of the people.
6. kuumba: Creativity, to do everything possible to leave the community more beautiful and beneficial for future generations.
7. imani: Faith, to believe in parents, teachers, and leaders.
Find out more about Kwanzaa and its rich traditions here!
Happy Kwanzaa!
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