Kwanzaa is an annual holiday that focuses on seven principles and is observed from December 26 through January 1. During the weeklong celebration, families and friends come together in fellowship to share meaningful dialogue on how to incorporate the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguzo Saba, in daily life, and to reflect on our ancestors. 

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are:

 

• UMOJA (UNITY) FOCUSES ON MAINTAINING UNITY WITHIN FAMILY, COMMUNITY, NATION, AND RACE.

 

• KUJICHAGULIA (SELF-DETERMINATION) SPEAKS TO DEFINING AND NAMING US AS WELL AS TO CREATING AND SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES.

 

• UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY) ENCOURAGES US TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER AND TO SOLVE PROBLEMS TOGETHER.

• UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) IS ALL ABOUT BUILDING AND MAINTAINING OUR OWN STORES AND BUSINESSES AND MAKING A PROFIT TOGETHER.

 

 

• NIA (PURPOSE) DIRECTS US TOWARD COLLECTIVE VOCATION IN THE BUILDING AND DEVELOPING OF OUR COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO RESTORE OUR PEOPLE TO THEIR TRADITIONAL GREATNESS.

 

• KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) INSPIRES US TO DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN, IN THE WAY WE CAN, TO LEAVE OUR COMMUNITY MORE BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL THAN WE INHERITED IT.

 

• IMANI (FAITH) ENCOURAGES US TO BELIEVE WITH ALL OUR HEARTS IN OUR PEOPLE, OUR PARENTS, TEACHERS, LEADERS, AND THE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND VICTORY OF OUR STRUGGLE.

 

In addition to the principles, there are seven table setting pieces that are symbolic and offer a look into African traditions and history. The kinara is a candelabra for the Mishumaa Saba - the seven candles of Kwanzaa. One is lit every day of the celebration. There are three green, one black, and three red candles that represent the colors of Africa. The Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup) is used to commemorate our African ancestors. Muhindi (ears of corn) represent children and the promise of their future, and corn is also often part of the holiday meal as well. The crops - mazao - show respect for the people that grew them. There’s also a mat (mkeka) on which these items are displayed. 

 

Try Chef Jackie’s excellent recipe for Sweet Potato Pie:

 Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Makes enough for two deep dish pie crusts.
Ingredients

3 lbs Sweet potatoes, boiled whole until softened. Let cool and peel.

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

3/4 flour

2 tablespoons of cinnamon

1 tablespoon of nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

Juice and zest from one lemon

Instructions

Beat together eggs and sugar. Add flour and beat until smooth. Add Sweet potatoes and spices, and beat until combined. Finally, add lemon juice and zest and stir.

Divide mixture into two deep dish pie crusts. Bake approximately 40 minutes at 350 degrees until firm but not dry.

For an extra special feast, add more of Chef Jackie’s dishes to your table:

Jerk Chicken

Black Eyed Peas and Rice

Collard Greens and Corn and Okra

Read the full Kwanzaa story here!

Story by Briana White / Photography by Scott Goldsmith