Day 7 - Imani

Today we celebrate Imani (ee-MAH-nee)

Imani stands for faith

On the seventh day of Kwanzaa the we light the green candle. This candle is symbolic of the prosperity and success. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The green candle is symbolic of a prosperous future which comes about as a result of work and effort. Hence, the family or community rewards the children and youth for their achievements.

The Kwanzaa principle “Faith” is the bedrock or foundational principle. Faith is what sustains us in difficult times, allowing us to see beyond the immediate. For children and youth as well as adults, this principle is provides grounds for hope and possibility.

Day 6 - Kuumba

On Day 6, we celebrate Kuumba

Kuumba - Creativity

During this time we are reminded to always do as much as we can,  and to work hard to ensure our communities are more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.  

On the six day of Kwanzaa the family lights the red candle. This candle is symbolic of struggle- continuous effort and work. The placement and order of the Kwanzaa candles teach and reinforce valuable lessons for the family. The lesson here is that we light the red candle to reinforce the value and priority we place struggle as the method for creating progress.

Day 5 - Nia

Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of the Kwanzaa principle is Nia.

Nia means Purpose. As we light the green candle in the kinara, it's important to understand what our purpose is. We need a clear understanding on what it means to be committed to building our family and our community. Take this time to reflect on your purpose for your life. 

There is a proverb that says, "The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people".

This means - The destruction of the community/nation starts in home. Therefore, develop strong and productive families. Become a strong and productive member of society. 

Day 3 - Ujima

Today we celebrate UJIMA (oo-gee-ma).

Ujima stands for  - Collective work and responsibility.

During this time we must remind ourselves to build and maintain our community together and identify our sister’s and brother’s problems and assist them by providing a solution. 

In order to celebrate Ujima we must light the green candle next to the black candle (Umoja). As we light this candle, we reflect on our family and our community. If you see our members in our community struggling with something we can offer a resolution. 

We are here to help one another. We need each other more and more each day. Lend a helping hand, encourage one another and above all... love one each other.

There is a proverb that says, "A bundle cannot be fastened with one hand".

The explanation is that, no man is completely self-sufficient.  We have need of each other.

Day 2 - Kujichagulia

Happy Kwanzaa!

Today we celebrate Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah)!

What does Kujichagulia mean?

Kujichagulia in Swahili means Self-Determination.

Self-Determination - To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

On day 2 we light the red candle on the kinara. This candle is lit to remind ourselves of our hard work and to continue teaching our community to be productive citizens. We must make sure that we don't forget to reach for the stars and to be the best we can be. Continue to build your community and your families. It's important to achieve your goals and to be successful.

Happy Kwanzaa - Day 1 Umoja

Today is the first day of our seven day celebration. We encourage you to celebrate with Kwanzaa this week. We are excited to celebrate our heritage and our culture. 

Our first principal of the week is Umoja.

Umoja is the Swahili word for "unity".

Umoja - (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Today we light the black candle on the kinara. While lighting this candle think of ways to continue to strive for unity, oneness with your family and community. It's important to talk with your family and to teach them the importance of working together.

Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.
~ Bondei proverb