Harambee marafiki! That means “Come together friends” and celebrate! I’m so excited because this year, me and my boyfriend will celebrate Kwanzaa for the first time. I’ve already set up my kinara (the candle holder) and the Mishumaa Saba (candles) that represent the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles. There’s still a few things that I’m missing but such as the mat, the corn, the Unity cup, etc.
My Kinara
What is Kwanzaa and what does it all mean?
December 26th marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a celebration of family, community and culture. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, currently a professor of Africana Studies at Cal State Long Beach (CA), in 1966 as a Pan-African and Black American holiday. You can read more about the celebration on Dr. Karenga’s website.
It doesn’t necessarily replace Christmas, so it’s not uncommon for families who celebrate Kwanzaa to include it as a part of their usual holiday season. However, this year we will use it in place of Christmas. So I’ve been taking the time to learn more about the Nguzo Saba and ways to celebrate each day.
Celebrate with us!
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