The history of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa (Quansa) is a holiday celebrated by many African-Americans. It is held December 26th through January 1st. It was started in 1966 by Doctor Maulana Karenga, Professor at the California State University, Long Beach, California.

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

(There is one principle for each of the seven days of Kwanzaa in the following order.)

Umoja (unity) to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (self-determination) to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (collective work and responsibility) to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (cooperative economics) to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses together.

Nia (purpose) to make our collective vocation the building of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (creativity) to do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (faith) to believe with our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa Rituals

The Kinara is placed atop the Mkeka. The Mishumaa Saba represent the Nguzo Saba. Each candle represents a distinct principle beginning with Umoja. Candles are then lit each day alternately from left to right. Three red candles should be placed on the left and three green candles should be placed on the right.