The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
Last December 2015 was the first time my household celebrated Kwanzaa. It was a week where my boyfriend (yes, still boyfriend status) and I spent some time each day to discuss the Nguzo Saba (7 principles), have we upheld them, and what we will do to uphold them. Read the rest of this entry
“U-N-I-T-Y that’s for a unity / U-N-I-T-Y love a black (wo)man from infinity to infinity” - Queen Latifah, UNITY
Habari Gani? Umoja!
The first principle in Kwanzaa is Umoja, which means unity. The Umoja candle is BLACK to represent the people. It is first because it all begins with us. As the African proverb says, “The ruin of a nation begins at home.” So, we light the black candle first to acknowledge that the strength of our community, of ourselves, begins and ends with the people within. To be strong, we have to be unified. We have to stand as one. #Harambee
During this time, we recognize the importance of unity in all aspects of our lives. Unity means more than standing in solidarity with this cause or that cause, although that’s a start. It means coming together as a family and a community.
Umoja, the Swahili word for Unity
Umoja/Unity Day
Use this day to show unity with your family, friends, and your community as a whole. Here are some things you can do:
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!
Four Wheel Workout 