What is Kwanzaa?

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What is Kwanzaa? A lot of people, mostly African Americans ask this question. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture.... African American culture. There are seven Kwanzaa Principles, or Nguzo Saba. The first principle is Umoja, which means Unity. Under this principle we come together and celebrate the importance of family, community, our black nation and race. The second principle is Kujichagulia, or Self Determination. We as a people define who and what we are for ourselves. The third principle is Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility. The goal is to build and maintain our community together and be our brothers and sisters keeper, and solve our problems together. The fourth Kwanzaa principle is Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics. We build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and  profit from them together. The fifth principle is Nia, or Purpose. Under this principle we learn and exercise the importance of applying ourselves to a higher purpose, and to build and develop our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness. The sixth principle is Kuumba, Creativity. We focus on bringing beauty and ideas into fruition. The goal is to manifest and leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Last but not least, is Imani. Imani means Faith. We have faith in ourselves, our parents and elders, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. I started celebrating Kwanzaa a couple of years ago. The more I learn, the more I grow and the better the celebration. As an author I always give my children and grandchildren books. Even when I celebrated Christmas books were a gift that I gave to them. Kwanzaa encourages giving books and handmade purposeful gifts. Kwanzaa celebrations are growing amongst black people. More people are waking up and realizing the commercialism and paganism of Christmas. Kwanzaa teaches us to honor who we are and think for ourselves. We don't need other groups to define us and tell us who to be. We are to determine these things for ourselves. Kwanzaa is a cultural experience. During the seven days of Kwanzaa we are charged to remember, reflect, and recommit to our highest values as individuals and as a people. Let's turn inward and prepare ourselves and families for the coming year.