Nguzo Saba - The Seven Priciples
(En – GOO – Zoh Sah – BAH)
UMOJA (oo-MOE-jah) Unity (Dec 26)
KUJICHAGULIA (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) Self-Determination (Dec 27)
UJIMA (oo-JEE-man) Collective Work & Responsibility (Dec 28)
UJAMAA (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative Economics (Dec 29)
NIA (nee-AH) Purpose (Dec 30)
KUUMBA (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity (Dec 31)
IMANI (ee-MAH-nee) Faith (Jan1)
December 26, 1966, heralded the inaugural celebration of Kwanzaa, an African-American/Pan-African cultural celebration.
Kwanzaa, which means first fruits in Swahili, was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University in Long Beach. Dr. Karnega holds a Ph.D. from United States International University, San Diego and one from University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
I had the privilege to hear Dr. Karenga speak at a local high school in Florida in the early '90s. He was eloquent, enthusiastic, imformative and motivating. I was only able to take the two youngest kids as the oldest was here in Jamaica at the time. I am grateful for that opportunity.
HAPPY KWANZAA
