What Is Kwanzaa? – An Infographic

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While my Jewish friends are winding down from Hanukah and our own family prepares for Christmas, I’m reminded of the 3rd, most mysterious holiday celebrated in December: Kwanzaa. 

But, What is Kwanzaa? In this post, and the infographic below, we’ll learn all about this holiday.

Want to learn more about Kwanzaa, the holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st? Read this post to learn about the 7 days of celebration.

A Kwanzaa Infographic

My Uncle is the only family member I can think of that has consistently celebrated Kwanzaa. He’s a man who’s very dedicated to our African heritage and our African-American history.

A man who’s been so passionate about the edcation of children of color, he’s gone from teacher, to principal, and is now the Superintendent in an inner-city school system. When I think of Kwanzaa, I always think of him.

There is still little known about this meaningful holiday created right here in the U.S., and I love that Degree Search released an infographic (seen above) to help those who would like to know more about the history and significance of Kwanzaa.

Want to learn more about Kwanzaa, the holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st? Read this post to learn about the 7 days of celebration.

 

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is known for the seven principles that are celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Each principle is honored on each day, in this order:

Unity:Umoja (oo–MO–jah)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.

Want to learn more about Kwanzaa, the holiday celebrated from December 26th to January 1st? Read this post to learn about the 7 days of celebration.

Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Want to know even more about Kwanzaa? The History channel has a detailed post about this holiday that was created in 1966. 

Infographic via: DegreeSearch.org

About Amiyrah

My name is Amiyrah and I'm an an African American fashion & lifestyle blogger based in Ohio.

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7 Comments

  1. 12.20.12

    This was great. I knew absolutely nothing of this Holiday before this post!

  2. 12.20.12

    Victoria,

    I was surprised with the amount I didn’t know, even with my Uncle celebrating it all these years.

  3. 12.29.12
    Pubbler said:

    Thanks for the information. I’m from Africa, but have never heard of Kwanzaa until I moved here. It must be a North African tradition

    • 12.10.14
      rachel said:

      Do not be surprised you’ve never heard of this.It’s not an African holiday…it’s an African American holiday.

      • 12.10.14
        Amiyrah said:

        Exactly, Rachel! I think most view it as a holiday that originated in Africa, but it actually started in the 80s here in the US. Very cool.

  4. 10.4.17
    Marshelle said:

    This is really nice . My family and I are implementing Kwanza in our family traditions . What are some more good tips ?

    • 10.11.17
      Amiyrah said:

      Hi Marshelle! I would say to start talking about it with your kids now. Get them excited to have a new way to celebrate this season, and softly explain to them why we celebrate Kwanzaa. Once it’s time to start the official celebration, they’ll be ready to dive in, and learn even more.