“Kwanzaa is a time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to celebrate African American culture.” ~ National Museum of African American History & Culture webpage HERE
Kwanzaa (“first fruits” in Swahili) is a celebration of family, community and culture. Like so many wonderful traditions, it allows celebrants to focus on heritage and relate experiences. Kwanzaa is not grounded in a specific faith community.
The 7 key principles corresponding to the candles are:
- Unity
- Self-determination
- Collective work and responsibility
- Cooperative economics (links to Black-Owned Businesses in Cinci HERE)
- Purpose
- Creativity
- Faith
Websites with more information include:
- Kwanzaa Website – National Museum of African American History and Culture
- 7 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KWANZAA – PBS
- Official Kwanzaa Website
- 8 Kwanzaa Traditions to Celebrate (per Oprah Magazine)
- The 7 Principles and Meanings Behind Candle Colors (per Oprah Magazine)
Consider watching The Black Candle, a documentary about Kwanzaa (free for Amazon Prime members)