Kawaida is a Swahili term for "tradition" used by Kwanzaa-founder, Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga. Dr. Karenga (born Ronald McKinley Everett in 1941) is a former professor of African Studies at UC Long Beach and the creator of Kwanzaa, the first African-American holiday. Dr. Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 to celebrate universal African heritage. Kawaida is a philosophy first developed by Dr. Karenga that focuses on evolving African thought and practice. Kawaida is central to the celebration of Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26th through January 1st.
Karenga used seven principles to comprise his philosophy of Kwaida; these principles are called Nguzo Saba and mean the "seven principles of blackness." For each principle, a candle is lit on each night of Kwanzaa. The first is Umoja or "unity"; the second is Kujichagulia or "self-determination"; the third priniciple focuses on Ujima or "collective work and responsibility"; the fourth, Ujamaa, centers around cooperative economics; the fifth is Nia or "purpose"; the sixth principle, Kuumba, means creativity, often reflected by the use of kente or colorful African cloth; the final and seventh principle, Imani, means "faith."
The traditional greeting at Kwanzaa is Habari Gani? or "What's the news?" in Swahili. Kwanzaa typically ends in a Karamu or feast. The traditional candle holder for Kwanzaa is called a kinara. The common chalice used during Kwanzaa is called the kikombe cha Umoja.
In 2009, a documentary film on Kwanzaa was released, The Black Candle, narrated by former Poet Laureate, Maya Angelou. Kwanzaa has also been recognized in two stamps issued by the US Post Office, created in 1997 and 2004.
Today is the third day of Kwanzaa--Ujima, or "collective work and responsibility," is the principle tonight's candle will be lit for. The kawaida of Kwanzaa stretches beyond its creation in 1966 all the way to the birth of humanity. And It's important we remember that.
In the spirit of Ujima and Kwanzaa, Habiri Gani?
Karenga used seven principles to comprise his philosophy of Kwaida; these principles are called Nguzo Saba and mean the "seven principles of blackness." For each principle, a candle is lit on each night of Kwanzaa. The first is Umoja or "unity"; the second is Kujichagulia or "self-determination"; the third priniciple focuses on Ujima or "collective work and responsibility"; the fourth, Ujamaa, centers around cooperative economics; the fifth is Nia or "purpose"; the sixth principle, Kuumba, means creativity, often reflected by the use of kente or colorful African cloth; the final and seventh principle, Imani, means "faith."
The traditional greeting at Kwanzaa is Habari Gani? or "What's the news?" in Swahili. Kwanzaa typically ends in a Karamu or feast. The traditional candle holder for Kwanzaa is called a kinara. The common chalice used during Kwanzaa is called the kikombe cha Umoja.
In 2009, a documentary film on Kwanzaa was released, The Black Candle, narrated by former Poet Laureate, Maya Angelou. Kwanzaa has also been recognized in two stamps issued by the US Post Office, created in 1997 and 2004.
Today is the third day of Kwanzaa--Ujima, or "collective work and responsibility," is the principle tonight's candle will be lit for. The kawaida of Kwanzaa stretches beyond its creation in 1966 all the way to the birth of humanity. And It's important we remember that.
In the spirit of Ujima and Kwanzaa, Habiri Gani?
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