Each year many families celebrate Kwanzaa, the African-American centric holiday based on seven principles and togetherness.
In 1966, Maulana Karenga established the “first fruits” harvest tradition of celebrating various values and beliefs held dear by those in the African diaspora. Kwanzaa meaning “first fruits” in Swahili helps African American families disconnect from capitalism and focus on community.
The Kwanzaa celebration focuses on seven principles:
1. Umoja: Unity
2. Kujichagulia: Self-Determination
3. Ujima: Collective Work & Responsibility
4. Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics
5. Nia: Purpose
6. Kuumba: Creativity
7. Imani: Faith
Each day a candle is lit, and the family recites a special statement focused on the principle of the day. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th (the day after Christmas), and last for seven days.
Learn more about Kwanzaa at
< https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history>