Kwanzaa

Every year for seven days, beginning December 26 to January 1, African Americans celebrate their heritage and honor the traditions of their ancestors during a season called Kwanzaa. It is an expression of unity and positive values in our struggle for equality in America. The important aspect of this holiday is for African Americans plan for the year to come and working on ways to make themselves a better people and their communities a better communities.

In 1966, Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a major contributors to black nationalist ideology during the 1960’s, created this cultural holiday based upon ancient African customs. After the Watts riots, Dr. Karenga, who felt his people had lost touch with their African heritage began to research ancient African ceremonies and celebrations.. He wanted to unify and instill in them a sense of pride in their culture. He studied the cultures of the Yorubas, Ibos, Ashantis, Zulus, and a variety of other African ethnic groups. Although each group celebrated a little differently, there were many things the festivals had in common. He felt that there should be a special time during the year set aside for this purpose, during which he incorporated many African customs traditions, symbols, and words from Swahili, a language language spoken by x 000,000 people throughout East Africa and many other areas of continent.

Kwanza, Swahili for first, Dr. Karenga added an "a" to create the name for the holiday. The prescribed rituals and ceremonies at the heart of the festive reflects African experiences, particularly the traditional agricultural festivals of first fruits and to honor the seven principles known in Swahili as, Nguza Saba. This involves a special set of goals to be memorized, discussed, and achieved during Kwanzaa and throughout the year. The harvest festival was a way of rewarding each member of the tribe for all of their their contributions during the year where everyone, including children and the elderly, had a job to do.

By working together, hence the Swahili word, Harambee, everyone had food to eat for the whole year. The tribal leader said a prayer for each member of the tribe and also gave honor to the tribal ancestors. After the ceremony, there was feasting, music and dancing which lasted till the wee hours of the morning.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of the past present and future. A time for all African Americans to join together as a family, community and a nation. It is an event that inspires one to practice the things studied so that they can be guided all year long. The principles, symbols, and ceremonies that are a part of this uniquely African American event celebrate the beauty of working together as one for the good of the community. Hence the Swahili word, Harambee. The proverb often quoted during Kwanzaa celebrations is, I am because we are, because we are, I am.

Harambee,

Bill Smith

Symbolized by lighting the black candle in the center of the kinara, Umoja is the first principle of Kwanzaa. It encourages us to work for togetherness in our family, the community in which we live, and our nation.

The second principle of Kwanzaa is Kujichagulia which is symbolized by lighting the first red candle on the kinara. It encourages us to define, create and learn traditions about ourselves rather than allow ourselves to be defined by others.

UJIMA (U-ji-ma) Collective Work and Responsibility

Symbolized by lighting the first green candle on the kinara, Ujima reinforces the idea that African-Americans must work together for the betterment of our communities. Key to growth as a community is the spirit of co-operation.

UJAMAA (U-ja-ma) Cooperative Economics

The fourth principle of Kwanzaa is Ujamaa, symbolized by lighting the second red candle on the kinara. Ujamaa is based on the concept that African-Americans must own, support and maintain Black businesses. To build viable institutions within the African-American community that will speak for the collective and defend our interests, we must pool our resources together and participate in the spirit of Ujamaa.

The fifth symbol of Kwanza, Nia, is symbolized by lighting the second green candle on the kinara. Nia involves recognizing that we all posses a divine purpose and taking the responsibility to develop to our potential.

KUUMBA (Ku-um-ba) Creativity

The sixth principle of Kwanzaa, Kuumba is symbolized by lighting the last red candle on the kinara. It challenges us to use our God-given talents in a way to strengthen, enlighten and uplift our people and all we come in contact with.

IMANI (I-mani) Faith

Symbolized by lighting the last green candle on the kinara, Imani encourages us to have faith in the creator and our people. To believe in God, our parents and our family, leaders and the goodness and victory of our struggle.