Photo: ef-cbs.com On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Nia (NEE-AH), which means purpose. The purpose of this day is to review our purpose of living and commit to the collective vocation of building, developing and defending our national community, its culture and history in order to regain our…
Kwanzaa day 4-Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
Photo: ef-cbs.com On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH), which means cooperative economics. The purpose of this day is to commit to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve it. The Ujamaa principle empowers families to come together centered around their collective…
Kwanzaa day 3- Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
Photo: ef-cbs.com On the third day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujima (oo-jee-mah), which means collective work and responsibility. The purpose of this day is to focus on ways to build and maintain our community as a collective force. It also represents the recognition and respect of the idea that without our…
Kwanzaa day 2-Kujichagulia (self-determination)
Photo: ef-cbs.com On the second day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kujichagulia (CO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-AH), which means self-determination. The purpose of this day is to ensure that we, as African people, define and develop ourselves instead of allowing or encouraging others to do so. It demands that we recover our memory and shape our…
Kwanzaa 2013: history of the celebration of unity and African roots
Though many Americans don’t know much about Kwanzaa, it’s a beautiful holiday that all can share and celebrate African heritage and unity. Dates Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1st. History Established by Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is a holiday that honors African heritage and celebrates family, community,…
Kwanzaa Day 1-Umoja (Unity)
Photo: ef-cbs.com On the first day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Umoja, which means unity. The purpose of this day is to strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. Though all expressions and ideas of Kwanzaa are equally important, Umoja is the foundation of success…
