Kwanzaa is a unique African-American celebration that focuses on traditional African values like family, community, commerce, and self-improvement. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way for African Americans to celebrate their culture and history. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, focusing on the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. Each day of Kwanzaa honors a different principle through activities that bring the family and community together.

1. GROUP 7
Nguyễn Thị Thu Thảo
Lý Bích Trân
Đỗ Thị Quỳnh Trâm
Ngô Lê Mỹ Duyên
Đỗ Thị Tuyết Mai

2. WHAT IS KWANZAA ?
 Unique African-American celebration w/
focus on traditional African values of
family, community responsibility,
commerce and self-improvement.
 Time of reaffirming African-American pp,
ancestors and culture.

3.  Reflective holiday_founded by an
American teacher in the mid-1960’s
during the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr Maulana Ron Karenga

4. THE DATES
 First celebrated on Dec 26th 1966
 Tradition celebration: Dec 26th – January
1st
 Focus on Nguza Saba (7 guiding
principles)
 KWANZAA: From Swahili phrase
“matunda ya kwanza”, which means “First
fruits”

5. WHY WAS KWANZAA
ESTABLISHED?
- Dr Maulana Karenga was disturbed by the
1965 Riots
Decided African-Americans need an
event to celebrate their differences
- Started in 1966 at the height of Civil
Rights Movement
The first specifically African-American
holiday
 Give Blacks an alternative holiday and
an opportunity to celebrate themselves and
history

7. An important symbol is the wooden
candlestick. This candlestick holds
7 candles in a row.
The center candle is black.
There are 3 red candles on one side
There are 3 green candles on the other.

8. Day One: The black candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing feelings.
The family gathers and shares how they feel about each
other. Many problems are cleared up during this day,
simply by talking about them.

9. • The black candle signifies UMOJA,
which is the central theme of Kwanzaa.
UMOJA (UNITY) (oo-MOE-jah) - To
strive for and maintain unity in the family,
community, nation and race.

10. Day Two: A red candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing traditions.
Some people might teach others how to braid hair or
how to play an African drum.
Others might share a family recipe.
Kwanzaa Recipes!

11. KUJICHAGULIA (SELF
DETERMINATION) (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-
ah) - To define ourselves, name ourselves,
create for ourselves and speak for
ourselves.

12. Day Three: A green candle is lit.
This is day of togetherness, sharing
a common goal.
Everyone in the family works together to get a chore
done - perhaps paint a fence or clean out the garage.
What is important is that everyone works together to
get the job done.

13. UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND
RESPONSIBILITY) (oo-JEE-mah) - To build
and maintain our community together and to
make our brothers' and sisters' problems our
problems and to solve them together.

14. Day Four: A red candle is lit. This
is a day of togetherness, sharing a
family gift.
A gift is either made or purchased, something the whole
family can enjoy. In years to come, when people see
this item, they will remember this Kwanzaa.
It can be anything from a house to a cookie cutter.

15. UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE
ECONOMICS) (oo-JAH-mah) - To build and
maintain our own stores, shops and other
businesses and to profit together from them.

16. Day Five: A green candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing dreams and hopes.
This is an especially good day to ask yourself and each
other, "What do you wish to accomplish in the coming
new year?"

17. NIA (PURPOSE) (nee-AH) - To make
as our collective vocation the building and
developing of our community in order to
restore our people to their traditional
greatness.

18. Day Six: A red candle is lit. This
is a day of togetherness, sharing
creativity.
First, everyone in the family creates something - a
poem, a story, a dance, a painting.
In the early evening, the family gathers. Each family
member shares what they have created.

19. KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) (koo-OOM-
bah) - To do always as much as we can, in
the way that we can, in order to leave our
community more beautiful and beneficial
than when we inherited it.

20. Day Seven: A green candle is lit.
This is a day of togetherness,
sharing a feast.
The family gathers and enjoys baked ham, roasted
yams, collard greens, thick bread, pies and desserts!
It is a wonderful feast!

21. IMANI (FAITH) (ee-MAH-nee) –
To believe with all our hearts in our
parents, our teachers, our leaders, our
people and the righteousness and
victory of our struggle.

22. And that is Kwanzaa. This
holiday was greatly enjoyed in
ancient Africa, just as it is
enjoyed today.