Celebrate Kwanzaa @ the AAMP!
Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration held annually from December 26 to January 1, honoring African heritage, unity, and culture. Created in 1966, Kwanzaa was designed to reinforce African-American cultural identity, foster community, and connect participants to African traditions.
More About Kwanzaa
The Origin of Kwanzaa
The name "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits".
It draws inspiration from traditional African harvest festivals, emphasizing gratitude, community, and reflection.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
Nguzo Saba
Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of these principles:
- Umoja (Unity): Striving for and maintaining unity in the family, community, and nation.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Defining, naming, creating, and speaking for oneself.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Building and maintaining the community together.
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Supporting and building businesses within the community.
- Nia (Purpose): Working collectively toward a shared goal of building a better community.
- Kuumba (Creativity): Doing everything to improve the community and make it more beautiful.
- Imani (Faith): Believing in the strength of the people and the righteousness of the struggle.
The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
Each symbol represents something important in African culture:
- Kinara: A seven-candle holder representing African heritage.
- Mishumaa Saba: Seven candles (three red, three green, and one black) symbolizing the principles.
- Mkeka: A mat on which the symbols are placed, representing the foundation of African heritage.
- Mazao: Crops symbolizing African harvest and productivity.
- Kikombe cha Umoja: A unity cup used to honor ancestors.
- Zawadi: Gifts given to encourage personal growth and achievement.
Observing Kwanzaa
Ceremonies
Music and Dance
Storytelling
Kwanzaa ceremonies are rooted in African traditions and designed to bring families and communities together to honor cultural heritage and reflect on the principles of Kwanzaa.
These ceremonies typically include lighting the kinara (candleholder), reciting affirmations, storytelling, singing, drumming, and a communal feast called the Karamu on December 31st.
Storytelling
Music and Dance
Storytelling
Storytelling during Kwanzaa serves as a way to pass down cultural knowledge, values, and history from one generation to the next.
Through folktales, personal anecdotes, and historical narratives, participants connect with African traditions and reflect on the principles of Kwanzaa, fostering a sense of pride and identity.
Music and Dance
Music and Dance
Music and Dance
Music is a vital part of Kwanzaa, reflecting African and African-American cultural traditions and celebrating community, resilience, and heritage.
Drumming, traditional African rhythms, spirituals, jazz, and songs emphasizing the principles of Kwanzaa are often performed to inspire unity and joy.
Candle Lighting
Music and Dance
Music and Dance
The candle lighting ceremony is central to Kwanzaa, symbolizing the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) and fostering reflection and unity.
Each night, a candle is lit on the kinara—starting with the black candle for Umoja (Unity), followed by alternating red and green candles to represent struggle and hope.