Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26-January 1, and for the next 7 nights of Kwanzaa, you are encouraged to restore the tradition of hosting Kwanzaa in your home. People are encouraged to align with their individual communities and families to engage in thoughtful conversations around each principle.
Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. It was created in
1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. The celebration is a seven-day cultural festival that begins December 26 and ends January 1.
During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the seven principles that form its core from communitarian values found throughout the African continent.
These principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.
See the Kwanzaa Nashville celebrations happening this year:
Ujoma Night by Kwanzaa Nashville (December 26). See Details
7 Days of Celebration from the African American Cultural Alliance. See Schedule
Ujamaa Night at Alkebu-Lan Images (December 29). See Details
Sources: Kwanzaa Nashville and National Museum of African American History & Culture
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