Society & Politics

Joyous Kwanzaa!

So as you all know, Christmas isn't the only holiday celebrated during this time of year. A lot of people know OF Kwanzaa, but don't really know what it's about. So join me as I discuss what Kwanzaa means to me. Pull up a chair!


Joyous Kwanzaa!


Kwanzaa is a week long holiday that celebrates African culture and heritage. It begins the day after Christmas and goes until January 1st. Though mostly recognized by Africans and African Americans, there are people of all races and backgrounds that celebrate the holiday. Created in 1965 by Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is made up of 7 Swahili principles. There's one for each each of the 7 days.


The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba)



  • Umoja (Unity): This principle celebrates unity and togetherness within the community and race as a whole. For me, this principle means finding reasons to uplift one another as opposed to tearing each down.

  • Kujichagalia (Self Determination): This principle promotes self awareness as an African/African American. Defining ourselves and being able to speak for ourselves. For me it just means being able to be myself and not feel inferior because of the color of my skin.

  • Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): This principle deals with building and maintaining the community and taking on the problems of other people in the community. For me Ujima means being there for each other and working together to overcome problems.

  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): This principle promotes the building and maintaining of businesses, shops and stores run by us. Basically it means supporting business owners and bringing in a profit in our community.

  • Nia (Purpose): This principle celebrates the collective building and developing of our community in hopes to restore our people to their traditional greatness. For me this principle means reminding ourselves and each other that we all have a purpose and reason for being here.

  • Kuumba (Creativity): This principle deals with doing everything we can to leave the community in an even better and more beautiful state than it was before. Kuumba is probably my favorite principle because it means using our talents to better the world.

  • Imani (Faith): The last principle promotes believing in our people, and acknowledging the righteousness and victory of our struggle. Imani for me brings all the principles together.


Celebrating Kwanzaa


During Kwanzaa a kinara (candle holder) is used to hold 7 candles. 3 red, 3 green, and 1 black. The black represents the people, the red represents the struggle and the green represents hope for the future. A candle is lit for each day of the celebration. "Habari Gani" which means "How are you?" in Swahili is also used as a greeting during the 7 days. A lot of people have celebrations where cultural music is played, gifts are exchanged, the reading of the principles and more takes place. I've been to a few. It's a really great time. The atmosphere is always positive and joyful.


Joyous Kwanzaa!


So there's a bit of insight on Kwanzaa, how it's celebrated, and what it means to me. Hope you guys enjoy! As always, stay classy GaGers. See you guys on the threads! ✌ ❤ 😎



Joyous Kwanzaa!
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