Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that is celebrated by African American as they honor the African heritage. Kwanzaa was created to ratify and restore out rootedness in African Culture. Kwanza is Swahili for “first” which derived from the Swahili phrase “Matunda Ya Kwanzaa” which means “first fruit”. In 1966, during the civil rights movement Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced the Kwanzaa festival to the United States.
Kwanzaa is celebrated in span of seven days, from December 26th to January 1st. This holiday is predominantly celebrated by African Americans and Pan Africans. Kwanzaa is set around harvest in ancient Africa hence the phrase “first fruit” or “Matunda Ya Kwanzaa”. The focus of Kwanzaa was based on seven principles: Umoja, Kujichagulia,
Ujima is the mutual responsibility to assist and care for each other in time of need and to support each one’s goals and aspiration. On this day families reflect on all the support and help they have received from family, friends and the community. This is done to emphasize to show the importance of knowing that the strength of the family or community is in the bonds of its relationship. According to Kwanzaa Guide the essential meaning of Ujima is the understanding that “I am, because we are, and we are because I am”. Ujima is also about the understanding that African Americans succeed and flourish because of the support of each other. This principle is what made it possible for the creation of the underground railroads, the development of flourishing black businesses and many more black excellences. On the day of Ujima the green candle is lit. The candle stands for progress and prosperity. Progress and prosperity is dependent on the work and effort that everyone invest to create a change in the African American community. Ujamma which means economics is implemented on the fourth day. Ujamma is the day when families come together to discuss ways to share revenue by investing and building together. Ujamma is also the day when the participants discuss ways how to save money. This principle is grounded in the selfless concern for the materialistic well-being of others. Just as on the day of Kujichagulia,
Mary McLeod Bethune once said “faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. Faith in God is the greatest power, but great, too, is faith in oneself.” According to the Kwanzaa guide, “this is a reflective day, a meditative day, a day when we turn inward to think of and discuss example, currently and historically, are the bridges that have brought us across the turbulence of slavery, Jim Crow violence, terror, and dehumanization, and the glory of Great Awakenings (New Negro Movement and the 1960s Freedom Movement) and the achievements of African Americans today.” On this day the green candle is lit which symbolizes prosperity and