Words of Wisdom from SharLeigh

KWANZAA: A CELEBRATION OF HERITAGE AND CULTURE

The Kwanzaa celebration was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. It is an affirmation of the African-American people’s ancestry and culture. Dr. Karenga wished to project the ancient culture, dignity, well-being and integrity of ones family, community and environment. The celebration begins on December 26th and continues through January 1st. The black, red and green colors are used in the decorations of traditional African heritage such as cloth, baskets, art objects, harvest symbols, candles, etc. Naguzo Saba is Swahili for the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa. The principles are of the African culture toward affirmation, establishing a sense of pride within the African-American home and community. A day is set aside for each principle and one of the seven candles is lit. The first principle is Umoja (Unity); the second is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); the third is Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); the fourth is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); the fifth is Nia (Purpose); the sixth is Kuumba (Creativity); and the seventh principle is Imani (Faith). Each of these principles has its own unique symbol. The Naguzo Saba projects the African-American races’ pride in maintaining the unity of the family, community and nation, and the self-determination to define oneself in creativity and independence. As a community, it strives to collectively build and maintain pride through supporting and encouraging the establishment of businesses. The culture has a purpose in developing the community to achieve greatness from generation to generation with faith in the people and leaders for the victory of their struggle. The symbols of Kwanzaa are representative of the African culture: the crops; the mat; the candle holder; the corn; the seven candles; the unity cup; and the gifts. Each of these celebrates an ancient and renewed culture with dedication to retaining and passing from generation to generation the pride in one’s heritage.