Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration observed by Africans in the Americas and the world over. Although it was not born on the continent it is indeed a fruit of Africa and her children, who though dispersed, have maintained a connection and sought to strengthen our cultural ties. Kwanzaa is based on the harvest celebrations of rural Africa and its name is derived from the Kiswahili term, " matunda ya kwanza," which

The seven principles of the Nguzo Saba are celebrated during Kwanzaa however, they can be practiced on a daily basis. Kwanzaa is not to be viewed as a "Black Christmas". Instead it is a cultural observance in which Africans renew and affirm the strengths and values of ourselves and our ancestors.

• UMOJA (UNITY) - To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

• KUJICHAGULIA (SELF-DETERMINATION) - To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created and spoken for by others.

• UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY) - To build and maintain our community together, and make our sisters' and brothers' problems and to solve them together.

• UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) - To build and maintain our own shops, stores and other businesses and to profit from them together.

• NIA (PURPOSE) - To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

• KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) - To always do as much as we can, in the way that we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

• IMANI (FAITH) - To believe with all of our hearts, in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Unlike most holidays, Kwanzaa has neither religious nor political origins. Rather, it was the invention of Dr. Maulana Karenga of Los Angeles, who saw it as a way for Africans in America to acknowledge their ancestors and reaffirm their culture. The celebration takes place from December 26 through January 1 and focuses on traditional African values of family, community responsibility, collectivism and self-improvement. Instructions

• STEP 1: Gather the seven Kwanzaa symbols: kinara, a candle holder with space for seven candles; mkeka, a placemat, preferably made of straw; mazao, fruits and vegetables to represent harvested crops; muhindi, ears of corn ' one for each child in the family; kikombe cha umoja, a communal cup to symbolize unity; mishumaa saba, seven candles (one black, three red and three green); and zawadi, educational or culturally enriching gifts, exchanged only among parents and children.

Let's come together now, it's Kwanzaa time...
Voices come together in unison in communities around the globe each year as Kwanzaa approaches. Many of them are singing the lyrics to It's Kwanzaa Time, the anchor song of the Seven Principles CD, which has become, for many, the anthem of Kwanzaa.

Official Kwanzaa Web Site

School Group Reservations - click here

Survey for Teachers that attended the Harambee Pre-Kwanzaa Festival
Please help us make improvements for the 15th annual HPKF

Classroom Connections

We've gathered some activity sheets and lessons from our Nguzo Saba Workbook and are providing them here as free downloads.