The Origins of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated from
 December 26 through January 1.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
Kwanzaa is based on the agricultural celebration of Africa which were
times of harvest, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration.
Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanzaa"
 which means first fruit.
Kwanzaa is is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, thus available
to and practiced by Africans of all religious faith.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

• UMOJA  (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
• KUJICHAGULIA  (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
• UJIMA  (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
• UJAMAA  (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
• NIA  (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
• KUUMBA  (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
• IMANI  (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

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Umoja
(U-mo-ja)
Unity

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.

One God! One Aim! One Destiny!
Marcus Garvey

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KUJICHAGULIA
(Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia)
Self-determination

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.
We have been named; we should now become "namers"
Lerone Bennett, Jr
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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.

Black power is black responsibility
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

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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.

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NIA
(Ni-a)
Purpose

The fifth symbol of Kwanzaa, 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.

Each generation must ...discover its
mission, fulfill it, or betray it.
Frantz Fanon

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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.

To be Black is to shine and aim high.
Leontyne Price

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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.

If Black America is ever to
get on its feet, it must first
get down on its knees.
Ralph D. Abernathy

Information gathered by James M Bradford, Star In The East Lodge #55

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