This year we want to wish you a Happy Kwanzaa!
We encourage you to read about the celebration and its origins and participate in some of the community gatherings in your community. Many cities hold their own celebrations and recognize teh NguzuSaba- the principles of Kwanzaa allowing inspiring conversations about family, personal and organizational values and its heritage.
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966.
The word Kwanzaa is a Swahili word derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.” The holiday is based on African harvest festivals that involve a lot of dancing and music.
According to the NMAAHC, Kwanzaa is centered around seven principles: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).
The holiday is also symbolized by seven candles: one black representing people of African descent; three red, symbolizing their struggle; and three green symbolizing land and hope for the future. Kwanzaa candles are mounted on a candleholder called a kinara. During each day of Kwanzaa, one of the candles is lit in commemoration of each of the seven principles.
As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.
Wishing you Peace, Joy and Love during this Kwanzaa Season!I lov
e Kwanzaa because how this African Centered Cultural Celebration speaks o my soul and my sense of self. When I first started celebrating Kwanzaa, it was a beautiful gift that I was proud to be celebrating in community. Being gifted my ancestral heritage, values and principlelowed me to more deeply embrace who I was. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Dr. Karenga founded Kwanzaa that many Black Americans were empowered to celebrate their African heritage. I am always surprised how many people still hold misconceptions about the celebration of Kwanzaa (Ki Swahili for First Fruits i.e. of Africa)
What I love Kwanzaa because how this African Cultural Celebration speaks to my soul and my sense of self. When I first started celebrating Kwanzaa, it was a beautiful gift that I was proud to be celebrating in community. Being gifted my ancestral heritage, values and principles allowed me to more deeply embrace who I was. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Dr. Karenga founded Kwanzaa that many Black Americans were empowered to celebrate their African heritage. I am always surprised how many people still hold misconceptions about the celebration of Kwanzaa (Ki Swahili for First Fruits i.e. of Africa)
What I love Kwanzaa because how this African Centered Cultural Celebration speaks to my soul and my sense of self. When I first started celebrating Kwanzaa, it was a beautiful gift that I was proud to be celebrating in community. Being gifted my ancestral heritage, values and principles allowed me to more deeply embrace who I was. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Dr. Karenga founded Kwanzaa that many Black Americans were empowered to celebrate their African heritage. I am always surprised how many people still hold misconceptions about the celebration of Kwanzaa (Ki Swahili for First Fruits i.e. of Africa)
