Today, we kick off the celebration of Kwanzaa — a holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an African-American scholar and activist. Rooted in the harvest traditions of African cultures, Kwanzaa celebrates the cultural, political, and artistic bounty passed down from our ancestors.
This secular holiday, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, allows us to honor the principles of collective nation-building without focusing on a specific religion or figure. Kwanzaa’s name, Kiswahili for “first fruit,” symbolizes the richness of our heritage and the power of unity.
Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a principle of the Nguzo Saba — the Seven Principles:
- Umoja (Unity)
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
- Nia (Purpose)
- Kuumba (Creativity)
- Imani (Faith)
Learn more about Kwanzaa by watching “The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration” on Prime, Peacock, or IMDb. This documentary is narrated by Maya Angelou.
Let’s gather, reflect, and march forward in the spirit of togetherness, purpose, and progress.
Video Credit: Asante Filmworx
