Story and Pictures By Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural festival that begins on December 26 and runs through January 1. Created by Professor of Africana Studies, Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is a pan-African holiday which celebrates “family, community, and culture.” There are seven (7) principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba) that, during the holiday, activities are organized around. They are: Day 1 (Umoja) or Unity; Day 2 (Kujichagulia) or Self-Determination; Day 3 (UjimaI) Collective Work and Responsibility; Day 4 (Ujamaa) Cooperative Economics; Day 5 (Nia) Purpose; Day 6 (KuumbaI) Creativity; and Day 7 (Imani) Faith. Along with other cultural values that form the basis for Kwanzaa, feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and a day of reflection and recommitment to Nguzo Saba is the preferred way to end the week-long celebration. For more information on Kwanzaa and its origin, visit OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org or contact Osupa Moon at (901) 237-1705. Dr . Mau l ana Ka r enga 23
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