What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a 7-day celebration of African and African American culture, history, and values, celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga for the unification of the African diaspora. Karenga was a key figure in the Black Power movement. Kwanzaa is a cultural observance, not a religious holiday, and complements the religious practices of those who celebrate. Kwanzaa offers everyone the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of our human family. The St. Ignatius Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) would like everyone in our community to have a chance to learn about Kwanzaa.

The name was derived from a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits,” linking it to traditional African “First Fruits” harvest festivals. During Kwanzaa, families and communities come together, reflect on their shared heritage, and recommit to the values that strengthen their cultural identity. A focus on self-determination and purpose encourages individuals to reflect on their own contributions to their communities, similar to the Catholic call for individuals to discern their vocation and to use their talents in service of others.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by lighting seven candles. Each day a new candle is lit, starting with a black candle in the center, followed by alternating red and green candles. The colors, black, red and green, symbolize the people, their struggles, and the future and hope that comes from their struggle. The seven candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa:

Unity (Umoja): Striving for and maintaining unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Self-Determination (Kujichagulia): Defining, naming, creating, and speaking for ourselves.
Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima): Building and maintaining our community together and solving problems collectively.
Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa): Supporting businesses that are owned by African Americans and benefiting from them together.
Purpose (Nia): The importance of having a purpose, both personally and as a community.
Creativity (Kuumba): Encouraging individuals to always do as much as they can, in any way they can, to leave their community more beautiful and beneficial than they inherited it.
Faith (Imani): Believing with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Do you want to celebrate Kwanzaa? Join in the city-wide festival at Chase Center Tuesday, December 31, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. There will be music, food, arts and crafts. While free, the link to register is: https://bit.ly/kwanzaa2024