Celebrating Kwanzaa
Habari Gani, what’s the news? If ever there was a time when we needed to celebrate ourselves and our community, it would be now. As the country enters a new political era, it is important that we focus on the Nguzo Saba and make it our mission to uphold the Seven Principles.
Kwanzaa brings us back to a wholeness that was lost when we were brought to the Americas. Gaining back our sense of community, pride, and responsibility to one another and the earth is necessary. Honoring our African roots is a priority.
Dr. Mulauna Karenga saw the need for African Americans to reclaim their roots and in 1966 created Kwanzaa to celebrate our culture.
Kwanzaa is Swahili from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning, first fruits.
The celebration of Kwanzaa brings us back to our roots and helps us firmly plant our feet in the foundation of our greatness. We see each other as our brothers and sisters, whom we are responsible for.
We light a candle on the Kinara daily to reflect upon the corresponding principle. The lighting of our first candle, December 26th symbolizes Umoja. Umoja means unity. “To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.”
December 27th we reflect on Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
December 28th, Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility). To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.
December 29th, our focus is on Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
On the 30th of December, we celebrate Nia (Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Holding our gaze on December 31st is Kuumba (Creativity). To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
On the last day of Kwanzaa January 1st, we ensure that we put all our desires and principles into Imani (Faith). To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
We also celebrate the Karamu feast on the last day of Kwanzaa. In my family, on the last day of Kwanzaa, and the beginning of the new year, we come together with family and friends and enjoy a traditional soul food dinner that includes greens, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, ham, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and anything else you want to include. Desserts include red velvet cake, sweet potato pie, pound cake, peach cobbler, the list goes on and on.
My favorite part is when we go around the room and talk about each principle and how we plan to uphold the Seven Principles throughout the year.
Many people do not know that we also give gifts during Kwanzaa. This was such a treat for me and my sisters. I mean let’s be honest, a kid getting even more gifts after Christmas. It was intoxicating! These gifts, called ziwadi, were extra special because they were typically handmade and/or books. Lots of thought and consideration go into these gifts. Even as a child, I recognized the love and importance of the Ziwadi we received. It meant a lot to us that our family would take time out to make scarves, create personalized books, or even make dresses made from Kente cloth. Our Kwanzaa celebrations were cherished and gave us such a sense of honor and pride.
Kwanzaa is being celebrated more and more every year. Now more than ever is this celebration imperative for our people as it strengthens our friendships, family bonds, and focus on our community.
Check out some of these vendors for your Kwanzaa items!
Happy Kwanzaa everyone!
