In dedication to Amilcar Cabral, who taught us the challenge and protracted nature of the struggle, saying, “Mask no difficulties, tell no lies, and claim no easy victories.”
On December 26, 2024, Black people around the country and the African world will commemorate the cultural observance of KWANZAA.
Kwanzaa, at (58) years old, remains a powerful cultural practice and continually progresses in relevance. Throughout Africa, North America, and areas of South America, the Caribbean, and even Europe, Kwanzaa has won devoted observers. Across the world, over 25 million people of African descent gather with their family and close friends to light the candles, sing African cultural songs, and rededicate themselves to the life-affirming anchors of Kwanzaa. These anchors are the Nguzu Saba, or seven principles: Umoja-Unity, Kujichagulia-self-determination, Ujima-collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa-cooperative economics, Nia-Purpose, Kuumba-creativity and Imani-faith.
Kwanzaa is based upon the African tradition of celebrating the harvesting of the first fruits. It was created and introduced for Black people in the United States by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Dr. Ron Karenga, globally referred to by the title “Maulana” (which means “master teacher” in the Kiswahili language), is the director of the Kawaida Institute for Pan-African Studies in Los Angeles, California, and retired chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University Long Beach.
Kwanzaa is the ingathering of the people, a special reverence for the CREATOR and creation, a commemoration of the past, a recommitment to our highest ideals, and a celebration of all that is positive and good. It is a time of reflecting, reassessing, recommitting, rewarding, and rejoicing in an atmosphere of peace, love, and unity. Kwanzaa is a cultural and political expression to reaffirm our African Heritage and organize our people for the struggle for Black liberation.
Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days: December 26 through January 1. The seven days are based upon the Nguzu Saba (The seven Principles), with each day being symbolic of one of the principles.
We have learned that all African societies and communities have their own celebration and name for the first fruit harvest. Our Black family from Egypt (Kemet) call it Pert-In-Min, the strong Zulu Nation of South Africa call it Umkos, and the strong Ashanti nation calls it Afaye or Odwira.
As a Pan-African educator, I promote the (7) principles of Kwanzaa every day. On Monday, I acknowledge the principle of Umoja-unity and chronologically place each principle with the remaining days of the week. The principle of Imani-faith is observed every Sunday.
here are seven symbols of Kwanzaa
*Mkeka (Straw Mat)- Tradition and history; the foundation on which all else rests
*Kinara (Candle Holder)- Original lineage from which we come; our Ancestors
*Mishumaa Saba (7 Candles) Nguzu Saba. The seven Principles firmly rooted in the traditions of our Ancestors
*Muhindi (Ears of corn)- represents the children and the future
*Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup)
*Mazao (Crops) The collective fruit of our labor; seeds sown by the children
*Zawadi (Gifts)- Rewards for our achievements
Gather and arrange Kwanzaa symbols. Any other decorations should have an African cultural theme, including our universal Red, Black, and Green flag given to the Black nation by Marcus Garvey.
December 26 – January 1
Greeting – Greet each other in Kiswahili, asking, “Habari Gani?” (What’s the news or what’s happening?) We answer with the principle for each day; on December 26, we respond with “Umoja.”
Economic Empowerment – only shop at Black-owned businesses during the (7) days of Kwanzaa. We as African people, should always support Black-owned businesses all year round. We must learn to control our buying behavior and organize our spending power.
Fasting – Fast from sunrise to sunset to help cleanse the body, discipline the mind, and uplift the spirit.
Libation – (Ancestral Communication) -an elder or leader should pour libation, using water or juice from the Kikombe into a potted plant to honor our Ancestors.
Candle lighting ceremony – Light one candle each day for the principle of that day, beginning with the Black candle, which represents Umoja. Each day, alternate by lighting the red and then the green candle. After lighting, discuss the principle of the day. The ceremony should be held when all family members, especially the children, can participate.
Karamu (The Feast) – The Karamu is held on the night of December 31 and should be a festive occasion. Observe traditional African practices such as music, dance, and storytelling.
Kawadi (Gift) – They should not be mandatory or expensive. One gift can be given each day, or multiple gifts can be given the last day. Personally made gifts are strongly encouraged over commercial purchases.
The essence of Kwanzaa is a true appreciation of our own strength and culture. To remember our traditional culture is to honor and preserve. To forget or ignore is to violate memory, dishonor our Ancestors, and deprive the living and yet unborn of our Greatness as a people.
Khabyr Hadas is a Pan-African Educator, Garveyite, and teacher of African Studies. He is a graduate of Cheyney University, the author of numerous books on Black Nationalism, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. khabyrhadas@gmail.com.
**********
Thank you for reading Khabyr Hadas’ article on scoopusamedia.com. To read additional articles of interest, please subscribe to Scoop USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75.00 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital and Vizion) are $90. (52 weeks/1 year)
