Let the festivities begin! Today is first day of the seven-day long holiday, Kwanzaa!
Running December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is a celebration to honour African heritage with feasts, gift-giving, music and gatherings with family and friends.
The holiday was created byMaulana Karenga, a philosopher and activist, who wanted there to be a holiday specifically designed for African-Americans and African-Canadians as well as those in the African Diaspora. He is quoted as saying that he wanted to “give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”
Kwanzaa consists of seven principles determined by Karenga: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility),Ujamaa(Co-operative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
The greeting for each day Kwanzaa is Habari Gani? which means “What’s the news?”
Joyous Kwanzaa to all who celebrate!