Kwanzaa

A Celebration of African American Culture

Habari gani! This is a traditional Swahili greeting heard when celebrating Kwanzaa, the African American winter holiday focusing on history, values, family, community and culture. A response is given to the greeting by sharing Kwanzaa's principle of the day, of which there are seven: umoja, kujichagulia, ujima, ujamaa, nia, kuumba and imani. This nonreligious holiday is held for seven days beginning on December 26th and concludes on January 1st.

Kwanzaa’s creation belongs to Dr. Maulana Karenga, chair of Africana Studies at the California State University in Long Beach. In 1966 Professor Karenga started Kwanzaa to honor first fruit celebrations throughout Africa and to connect communitarian values for African Americans in the United States. He desired to inspire gatherings that were in direct contrast to the commercialism of Christmas. Poetry, music, dance and Pan African foods are part of the celebration along with the giving of gifts, usually books for learning one’s history and a heritage symbol.

A kinara is the candle holder with seven candles, one for each of the principles of Kwanzaa and to represent the Pan African colors of red, black and green. The black candle is placed in the center and is lit on the first day of the holiday. Red candles are on the left of the kinara and correspond to the historic struggle of Pan African communities while the green candles reflect the fertile soils of the African continent. Candles are lit from left to right while the kinara sits on top of an African cloth known as the mkeka. Other Kwanzaa symbols such as mazao (ears of corn), vibunzi (fruits and vegetables) or African artifacts are arranged on the mkeka (placemat) as well. On the sixth day a karamu feast is held with families sharing any meal they desire. May your family experience prosperity and creativity in the new year!