12/26/2025
Happy Kwanzaa! As we gather during this vibrant holiday, we celebrate a time for reflection, unity, and cultural pride.
Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to honor African heritage and is rooted in African American culture. This celebration is based on the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, each represented by a day of the week.
# # The Seven Days of Kwanzaa
1. **Umoja (Unity)** – December 26th: A day dedicated to fostering togetherness in our families, communities, and nations.
2. **Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)** – December 27th: This day emphasizes the importance of defining ourselves, creating our own identities, and speaking for ourselves.
3. **Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)** – December 28th: We focus on building and maintaining our community together and solving our problems collectively.
4. **Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)** – December 29th: This principle highlights the importance of supporting and uplifting our businesses and economic power.
5. **Nia (Purpose)** – December 30th: A day to commit to the collective vocation of building and developing our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
6. **Kuumba (Creativity)** – December 31st: We use our creativity to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
7. **Imani (Faith)** – January 1st: The final day is about believing with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
As we light the candles on the Kinara, we reflect on these principles, nurturing a sense of community and purpose. May this Kwanzaa bring you clarity, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of your unique spiritual journey.
