Happy Kwanzaa!
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Habari Gani?
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration honoring African heritage in African American culture and takes place from December 26th to January 1st. All Seven Principles of #Kwanzaa are inspiring, uplifting, positive, and centered on traditions of the African harvest season. In fact, the name Kwanzaa comes from the #Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits of the harvest.“
Can you list all 7 principles of Kwanzaa?
The “Nguzo Saba” or as it translates from Swahili to English as “The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa” is a value system and set of principles which outlines the mission statement and intentions of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa founder Dr. Maulana Karenga describes the principles as “…the core and consciousness of Kwanzaa. They are posed as the matrix and minimum set of values African Americans need to rescue and reconstruct their life in their own image and interest and build and sustain an Afrocentric family, community and culture.”
The Nguzo Saba are listed as:
🔴🕯Umoja (Unity)
⚫️🕯Kujichangulia (Self-Determination)
🔴🕯Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
⚫️🕯Ujaama (cooperative economics)
🔴🕯Nia (purpose)
⚫️🕯Kuumba (creativity)
🔴🕯Imani (faith)
During Kwanzaa someone will informally ask, “Habari Gani?” or “What's happening?” in Swahili throughout the day. Somone will respond with the principle for the day, which today is “Umoja” which translates into English as “Unity”. To learn more about Kwanzaa’s history, cultural expressions, and to find fun activities for new families & children, as well as more information on the 7 principles, join our virtual Kwanzaa celebration: nmaahc.si.edu/kwanzaa
#Unity #Umoja#DemsAbroad #GlobalBlackCaucus #HabariGani #Mazao #Mkeka #Muhindi #Kinara #MishumaaSaba#KikombeChaUmoja #Zawadi #HappyKwanzaa