7 Ways To Celebrate Kwanzaa This Year

Kwanzaa, meaning “first fruits” in Swahili, is supposed to have a full set up with items that symbolize different values and candles that represent each Kwanzaa principle. These principles are also expressed in Swahili (a common African language): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith)

The centerpiece is the kinara, or candle holder holding seven handles, with a candle lit on each day of the celebration. The purpose is to have conversation and reflection around each of the symbols and items with loved ones, which connect us to our African heritage. You can read more about the items needed on the official Kwanzaa website.

If the prospect of celebrating Kwanzaa at home is a bit daunting, join a community celebration. A lot of organizations will celebrate at least one principle, and you’re likely to find an event for the first day, Unity, on Dec. 26. Check out eventbrite for festivities happening near you.

If it’s not feasible to attend a full Kwanzaa celebration, you can still enjoy the spirit of the holiday by doing an activity that gets you to reflect. We’re all so busy on our daily grind, it’s easy to lose a sense of purpose. That goes for us individually and in thinking about how Black people can progress collectively. Take a moment to pause from our everyday problems to honor those who have fought hard for us and to think about how we can continue that history and practice of resilience.

Kwanzaa is meant to be enjoyed with others, but it may not always be feasible. Choose a day that you may want to think about more, whether it’s Cooperative Economics and finding a way to support Black workers and businesses, or Kuumba (creativity) and taking time offline to do something that gets your creative juices flowing.

Kwanzaa serves as a stark contrast to the commercialization of Christmas. Instead of exerting yourself to stock up on thei latest gadgets, Kwanzaa is a time to exchange small gifts (aka the “zawadi”), like books, especially for the little ones. Plant the seeds for the next Toni Morrison or Imani Perry with presents that can stimulate the minds of the youngins.

If you’re not sure Kwanzaa is your thing, read more about its history. The official Kwanzaa website describes the principles and background further. There has been valid criticism of its founder Maulana Karenga, though its goals are often viewed as more valuable than the controversy surrounding him.

Karenga started Kwanzaa after the Watts uprisings in the 1960s. Black people have often felt frustrated with our conditions; Kwanzaa was a way to be more proactive instead of reactive about them.

For the principle of Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), you can spend the day doing volunteer work or some other service activity. We’re encouraged to think more individually and selfishly in the U.S., but Kwanzaa is a way to think about building together.

There has been no progress for Black people throughout the globe without collective organizing and mass movements. Working in the community is a small way to practice that idea of collectivism.