Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits", is celebrated from December 26 through January 1.

Kwanza is a seven day cultural celebration which was first initated in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to promote the vision and values of African culture and to contribute to its restoration among African peoples in the Diaspora, beginning with Africans in America and expanding to include the world African community.

As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.

The holiday celebrates the ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice. It's rituals and celebrations affirm the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture.

The seven days of this celebration are linked to the seven principles which are: Umoja (Unity), Kuji-chagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).