Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that begins on the day after Christmas, December 26th and ends on January 1st. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulona Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, to undergird pride and unity among African American communities and families in the United States (Please see the Reflections for links to the details of this cultural holiday). This writing will look at the seven principles of Kwanzaa which can be practiced by families, communities, and all peoples for self-appreciation and purpose. During Kwanzaa, a single principle is shared each of the seven days of the holiday.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa:
- Unity (Umoja) – Unity is the strength of a family, community, cultural group, and a nation.
- Self-determination (Kujichagulia) – The identification of a people should come from themselves.
- Collective work and responsibility (Ujima) – Communities are built together and the people within labor together for solve problems of individuals and the community at large.
- Cooperative economics (Ujamaa) – Businesses can be built and maintain by the people in the community; thus, all benefit from such engagement.
- Purpose (Nia) – The purpose of individual lives is discovered and directions for communities is determined by the people who then strive to live out that purpose. The fruit of such effort is a legacy for future generations.
- Creativity (Kuumba) – The people work diligently to make the community better for future generations.
- Faith (Imani) – Faith in parents, teachers, leaders is nurtured. These persons have earned such faith by their commitment to people, to community, and to the future as well as the present.
Engagement and commitment to these seven principles can enable the individual, the community, and the nation to accomplish much and whatever the circumstances.
Reflections
What is Kwanzaa?
A Brief History of the Kwanzaa Holiday and Six Amazing Facts – YouTube
What is Kwanzaa and how is it Celebrated?
What Is Kwanzaa and How Is It Celebrated? – YouTube
HAPPY KWANZAA!
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President