Why Celebrate Kwanzaa
December 30, 2009 by Brian Jenkins
Filed under Be Risen, Featured
The United States of America is a melting pot of several cultures that blend together in their everyday lives in the most seamless way that the world has ever seen. Not perfect by any means, but it is better then the rest. But, the one group that has been stripped of its culture and detached from a connection to the land of their roots is the African American community. It is an emotion that affects our children and adults alike, and is often even too complex to explain or even be understood by our Caribbean and African brothers and sisters. Our brothers and sisters who may look like us, but without a doubt know where their “home” is, and are able to recognize and live the traditions of their motherland. Kwanzaa then, is a way to help develop roots, perfectly defined by the first day, UMOJA, which means Unity.
I am going to purposely avoid, to the best of my ability, giving a history lesson on Kwanzaa. For history and more information on how to celebrate the holiday, go to: HYPERLINK “http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org” www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org. The purpose of this piece is more particular then that. It is to elaborate on how important it is to be rooted in something that defines you and those before you. It’s to show yourself that your culture is more then just slavery, the peanut guy, and a new President. To connect yourself to your people in an undeniable way rooted in strength, confidence and growth. If you have yet to celebrate Kwanzaa, it may just be time to. Whether you are African American or of African decent, from the Caribbean or the continent itself, this holiday is for you.
Kwanzaa is no longer the small holiday and has grown since it was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It is now celebrated by millions around the world, and in growing numbers. It is the holiday to gather together, recommit, commemorate, and revere. Highlighted by seven principles formally known as the Nguzo Saba, Kwanzaa leads right into the end of the year New Year’s celebration.
The Nguzo Saba:
Day 1 (December 26th) – Umoja (unity)
Day 2 (December 27th) – Kujichagulia (self-determination)
Day 3 (December 28th) – Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
Day 4 (December 29th) – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Day 5 (December 30th) – Nia (purpose)
Day 6 (December 31st) – Kuumba (Creativity)
Day 7 (January 1st) – Imani (faith)
These seven principles are rooted in values and growth for yourself and your community. The terms are in Swahili, and are meant to be focused on, each day, as the building blocks to reinforce and enhance your community. The culture says that “it takes a village to raise a child.” But, how often do we take a step back and focus on building a strong village so that it can support the growth of that child? Take the time this Kwanzaa holiday season to recommit or commit yourself to making a strong positive impact and strengthening yourself and your brothers and sisters with shared positive energy and actions. Take the time to experience and share the principles of Kwanzaa.
- Brian Jenkins
Twitter: @Brian_Jenkins
i remember thiss onee………. good blog thou girl :-bd
Loved the article Brian! Kwanzaa has been around so long but so few people know about it. smh. It’s something that is purely African-American and I think that African-Americans should take advantage of that fact. My family and I have celebrated Kwanzaa for as long as I can remember and it’s nice to see an in depth article about it. Keep up the good work!
You would think so. Being that it is something for African Americans, it should be a positive, but it seems that the opposite is true, and it just gives people a reason to discount it or not even look into it.
How beautiful would it be if people lived that way every day, not just for 7 days out of the year. I never felt connected to the African-American struggle, probably because I didn’t grow up here. In my eyes, too many spend too much time trying to define and in turn, don’t get what needs to be done, done. I recognize Christmas and Kwanzaa… don’t do much of “celebrating” either.
Hopefully those 7 days can be a foundation for 365 days out of the year. Its a start I guess.
Ahh! You have done it once again Mr. Jenkins! Although , I am particularly surprised that NO ONE has commented on such a big issue .. that is (to me) even beyond just being an African-American holiday. It serves a much bigger purpose and people need to PAY ATTENTION! =)
it seems they rather comment to me on Twitter, and all negative. I’m surprised at the push back. People are so scared of culture when its black.
Love the article
At a surface level, I think any positive celebration, gathering or tradition is a great thing. And at a deeper, subconscious level, Kwanzaa builds confidence in one’s self, proudness of a culture and teaches education about culture. Kwanzaa needs to grow.
I’m in agreement with anything that uplifts a people. However, these principles should be practiced everyday, not just once a year. Our African(ness)is undeniable, despite all our efforts to distance ourselves from the source. Personally, I practice these principles everyday to the best of my abilities.
I have the same opinion about Christmas. I tell my children Christmas is everyday, not just Dec. 25th. I didn’t buy them presents this year or last. They understand that they can and should give and receive gifts(blessings) 365 days a year. My children are 7, 15, 20. They do not expect gifts from anyone in particular, but are grateful when they receive. (takes a lot of pressure off of me, lol)
Collectively, I see the importance of us needing a celebration like Kwaanza. I think it would help fill the void and bring a sense of healing to a damaged psyche.
Great post. The principles of Kwanzaa should be applied in our society, especially in black culture every single day, but like many I take for granted a holiday whose values I teach my kids. I hope many read this and get a proper understanding of the celebration.
Those principles are something we should uphold in everyday life…
yet I still don’t feel the need to celebrate Kwanzaa (my personal belief/feeling).
Another great one my friend. The principles of Kwanzaa are to be celebrated and I am extremely pleased with the attention this holiday is getting. I agree with you. The very first principal says it all. Unity – the EXACT thing our community needs! Thanks for this one. It really needed to be said.
We should all embrace this cultural celebration, especially because it’s built on a foundation that promotes unity. What harm could there be in acknowledging and participating in a celebration designed to bring people together? Hopefully generations to come, will continue to actively celebrate Kwanzaa.