HAPPY KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African Studies. Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural festival that begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. It joins communitarian values and practices of Continental African and African American culture. During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): 1. Umoja – Unity 2. Kujichagulia – Self Determination 3. Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility 4. Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics 5. Nia – Purpose 6. Kuumba – Creativity 7. Imani – Faith Participants also celebrate by having feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values. To learn more about his holiday, check out the video below.