Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture and values that takes place from December 26 to January 1.
Based on African harvest traditions, Kwanzaa dates from 1966 when it was founded by professor of Africana studies, Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa traditions include decorating the home with African art and wearing traditional clothes.
On each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, one of the Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles is observed. The principles resonate with universal human values, and they make Kwanzaa a relatable festival that we can all learn from. It offers participants a chance to give thanks, reflect, and look forward to the coming year.
Not all Black Americans or Canadians celebrate Kwanzaa, so this article is just as much for our Afro community as it is for other cultural communities to understand the relevance and value of creating new traditions like Kwanzaa. Our article will explain how these principles can inspire personal growth, stronger families, and thriving communities for all ethnic, national or cultural groups, and it will educate us all on why the values of Kwanzaa matter beyond the holidays.
Table of Contents:
Umoja (Unity)
Umoja or Unity is the first Kwanzaa principle. It symbolizes the foundation of strong relationships and communities.
You could create regular check-ins or family traditions to strengthen family bonds to embody this principle all year round. You can also build workplace unity through team-building initiatives and open communication. Why not start today by setting up a weekly family or community meeting to discuss shared goals? This year, a group of friends who live in different cities decided to create a weekly check in, where we share short videos of what's happening in our life. The more we share with others, the more connected we feel.
Be inspired by novelist Toni Morrison’s words: “The function of freedom is to free someone else.”
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Next comes Kujichagulia or Self-Determination, a tool to define your path and advocate for your dreams.
To apply this principle throughout the year, you can encourage your children to set and pursue personal goals. Or practising self-reflection to ensure your choices align with your values. For inspiration, create a personal “I Am” board filled with affirmations and aspirations that resonate with your personal journey. I'm looking forward to sitting down with my son to create a new responsibilities and rewards poster that we will use in our house to inspire family cooperation.
Take note of artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook’s words: “I am my best work — a series of road maps, reports, recipes, doodles, and prayers from the front lines.”
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujima or Collective Work and Responsibility is the third principle. It’s about solving problems together and building a better future.
Incorporate this principle into your daily life by joining or starting community improvement initiatives like cleanups or mentoring programs. You could also collaborate with peers to address challenges at work or in your neighbourhood. In your personal life, you could plan a schedule of monthly family activities. In fact, we've implemented clearing out toys, home goods, clothes etc. every quarter, and not only donating, but attending drives with kids from impoverished communities so that they can share and learn from each other.
The words of disability rights advocate Helen Keller resonate with this principle: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
On the fourth day, Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics is celebrated. This principle is about strengthening economic empowerment through collective support.
Help strengthen your and your community’s financial position by supporting local and Black-owned businesses — for example, by buying one item per month from a local business. Or try teaching financial literacy within your family or community. Talk about money, investing, and value-driven skill development at home for both the adults and the children in your family.
Be inspired by the story of Jackson Ward, known as the first Black Wall Street. Black financial districts sprung up in the late 19th and early 20th century in segregated areas, where they could provide a place for people to safeguard their assets. Jackson Ward in Richmond, VA, became home to many Black-owned businesses and financial institutions and offered a lifeline to the local community.
Absorb the words of leader, Malcolm X: "I don’t think having an opportunity to ride either at the front or the back or the middle of someone else’s bus does not dignify you. When you have your own bus, then you have dignity. When you have your own school, you have dignity. When you have own your own country, you have dignity. When you have something of your own, you have dignity."
Nia (Purpose)
Next up is Nia or Purpose, the principle that gives direction and meaning to life.
A way to start including this principle into the everyday could be by reflecting on your life’s purpose and taking intentional steps to live it. Determine what moves you, inspires you, what gifts you have to share with the world. Help your children to discover and nurture their talents and passions too. Or why not write a personal or family mission statement to help you focus on this principle?
Consider the words of novelist Alice Walker: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
Kuumba (Creativity)
This principle focuses on how creativity can enrich our lives and bring beauty to the world.
Introduce creativity into everyday life through art, cooking, or problem-solving regularly. As adults, we tend to lose our creativity if our work is not in a creative field, we must reintegrate creative ways of expressing ourselves into our daily lives. You should also encourage your children to express themselves through creative projects such as dance, building, fine arts or STEM. Start today by establishing a family or community art project that evolves throughout the year.
The artist Henri Matisse said: “Creativity takes courage.”
Give them the confidence to try and try again. Communicate and communicate again.
Imani (Faith)
The final principle is Imani or Faith. It reflects faith in ourselves and in the communities that sustain us.
To practise Imani year-round, you can cultivate hope and trust in challenging times. And remember to celebrate achievements and progress, no matter how small. One of the ways I communicate faith is by continuing to be a positive light no matter what is happening in the world, by focusing on solutions, taking responsibility and holding others accountable to contribute however they can. The more we put into our community, the more we get back. Honour this principle by beginning a “wins journal” to document personal and communal victories. Or sharing in prayer with your family and friends to reiterate that we are all connected spiritually or vibrationally and we should honour that connection as human beings.
Take inspiration from the words of activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
The Gift of Kwanzaa Principles
Throughout the year, the Nguzo Saba can inspire us to lead better lives via easily actionable steps.
Start applying these principles today for a more purposeful and connected life. No matter what time of the year it is - start now. Because these universal principles are useful for everyone, everywhere, every time. Academic and activist Angela Davis said, “we have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.” A gift that Kwanzaa principles can help us achieve.
Which Kwanzaa principle resonates with you the most? How will you incorporate it into your life this year?
Reach out to us at Tough Convos if you’d like to work with a partner to help you bring these principles to life in your company culture.
Comments