Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrated by many African Americans, over seven days between December 26 and January 1. Kwanzaa was invented by Mualana Karenga in 1966.

Each of the days symbolizes one of Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba):

• Umoja (Unity),
• Kuji-chagulia (Self-determination),
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility),
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics),
• Nia (Purpose),
• Kuumba (Creativity), and
• Imani (Faith).

Its name derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits". An additional "a" was added to Swahili "kwanza" so that the word would have seven letters, one for each of the seven principles.

External Link

• The official Kwanzaa website