Seven principles of Kwanzaa

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman created of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, Kwanzaa in 1966.

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After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community.

He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African "first fruit" (harvest) celebrations.

Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa.

The name Kwanzaa is shutterstock.​com derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers, and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture that contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols, which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.

The candle-lighting ceremony (each evening) provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. On the first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of Umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening, and the appropriate principle is discussed.

SEVEN PRINCIPLES The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, are a set ofideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Unity: Umoja (00-MO-jah) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo-gee-chagoo-LEE-yah) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.