African American Celebration
A time to celebrate…
Enchantment
Laverne Ross
Heritage
Culture
Remembrance
With Emphasis On….
 Family
values
 Community
 Self
responsibility
Improvement

In Kiswahili…

Kwanzaa stands for…
Founded in 1966 by
 Dr. Maulana Karenga


Based on the Nguzo Saba…
The
Seven
Guiding Principles
Seven Guiding Principles
1. Umola
(oo-mo-jah)
1. Umoja

Unity

Importance of togetherness for

Family and community

“I Am We.”

“I Am We Because We Are.”
2. Kujichagulia
(Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-yah)
2. Kujichagulia
Self-determination
 Define our common interest
 Make decisions that are in the best
interest for entire family

3. Ujima(oo-gee-mah)
3. Ujima
Collective work and responsibility
 Obligation to the past, present and
future
 We have a role to play in the
community, society and world!

4. Ujimaa(oo-jee-mah)
4. Ujimaa
Cooperative economics
 Emphasizes our collective economic
strength
 Encourage us to meet common needs
through mutual support

5. Nia(Nee-yah)
5. Nia
Purpose
 Encourages us to look within ourselves
 To set goals that are beneficial to the
community

6. Kuumba
(Koo-oom-bah)
6. Kuumba
Creativity
 To build and maintain
 A strong and vibrant community

7. Imani
(Ee-mah-nee)
7. Imani
Faith
 Honoring the best of our traditions
 Draws upon the best in ourselves
 Helps us strive for a higher level of life
 For humankind, by affirming our
 Self worth
 And confidence in our ability to succeed

Ankh

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Symbolic representation
of physical and eternal
life
Power to give and
sustain life
Associated with waterregenerate life
1st created by Africans
in Ancient Egypt
“Courage is not the absence of
fear, but the strength to do what
is right in the face of it.”
Karumua
“Kwanzaa Celebration”
“brings us closer to our African
roots”
Celebrated December 26-January 1
During the
Kwanzaa Karumua
(celebration)

Kukaribisha (Welcoming)

Kuumba (Remembering)
Kwanzaa Karumua
Kuchunguza Tena
Na Kutoa Ahadi
Tena
(reassesment
and
recommitment)

Kushangilla
(rejoicing)
Kwanzaa Karumua
 Kutoa Majina
 Calling names of family Ancestors and
Black Heroes
and a Tarnshi la Tutaonana a
farewell statement is made
Kwanzaa Karumua

Tamshi la Tambiko
 (Libation
Statement)
Libation Statement:
“For the Motherland cradle of civilization
For the Ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the Elders from whom we can learn
much.
For the Youth who represent the promise for
tomorrow.
For the People the original people.
For the Struggle and in remembrance of those
who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of Unity which
should guide us in all that we do.
For the Creator who provide all things Great
and Small.”
Feast

Kikombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup)

Filled with water (the essence of life)
is passed around

In the direction of the 4 winds

N, S, E, W
Feast
 Ngoma
 Drums
played
are
Feast

Kuumba Creativity

Hand crafted gifts
are given
Kwanzaa Colors are displayed…

Green
 Black
 Red
 Represent the
heritage of AfricanAmerican people
Kinara- Candle holder

Similar to a
Menorah in the
Jewish faith for
Chanukah

Kinara- 7 candles
reflect the 7
principles that are
the foundation of
Kwanzaa
Kinara

Mishumaa saba

7 candles
 1 black
 3 red
 3 green

“Gifts that are
enriching.”
Mkeka

Straw placemat
 Foundation of the
center piece
Corn

Symbolize African
concept of
Social parenthood
Vibunzi- each ear of
corn for each child
in household
Mazao

Fruits and
vegetables
 Kwanzaa-”first fruits
of the harvest.”
Kuumba Yams

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6-9 medium yams
Butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup honey
Spices, nutmeg, cinnamon all spice
Fruits, raisins, grated coconut, pineapple
Wash yams
Rub with oil
Place in uncovered shallow baking dish
Bake 45 minutes or until tender
Cool
Add different spices and/or fruits to yams
Black-eye Pea Salad

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Black-eyes peas symbolize Good Luck!
3 15oz. Cans black-eye peas
2 cups cooked cubed ham
1 cup celery
1 large green/red pepper
1 med onion
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
Stir, refrigerate and eat.
“To do always as much as we can
in the way we can, in order to
leave our community more
beautiful and beneficial then we
inherited it.”