African American Celebration

A time to celebrate…

EnchantmentLaverne Ross

Heritage

Culture

Remembrance

With Emphasis On….

Family values

Community responsibility

Self Improvement

In Kiswahili…

Kwanzaa stands for…

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga

Based on the Nguzo Saba…

The Seven

Guiding Principles

Seven Guiding Principles

1. Umola(oo-mo-jah)

1. Umoja

Unity

Importance of togetherness for

Family and community

“I Am We.”

“I Am We Because We Are.”

2. Kujichagulia(Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-yah)

2. Kujichagulia

Self-determination Define our common interest Make decisions that are in the best

interest for entire family

3. Ujima-(oo-gee-mah)

3. Ujima

Collective work and responsibility Obligation to the past, present and

future We have a role to play in the

community, society and world!

4. Ujimaa-(oo-jee-mah)

4. Ujimaa

Cooperative economics Emphasizes our collective economic

strength Encourage us to meet common needs

through mutual support

5. Nia-(Nee-yah)

5. Nia

Purpose Encourages us to look within ourselves To set goals that are beneficial to the

community

6. Kuumba (Koo-oom-bah)

6. Kuumba

Creativity To build and maintain A strong and vibrant community

7. Imani(Ee-mah-nee)

7. Imani

Faith Honoring the best of our traditions Draws upon the best in ourselves Helps us strive for a higher level of life For humankind, by affirming our Self worth And confidence in our ability to succeed

Ankh

Symbolic representation of physical and eternal life

Power to give and sustain life

Associated with water-regenerate life

1st created by Africans in Ancient Egypt

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is right in the face of it.”

Karumua “Kwanzaa Celebration” “brings us closer to our African

roots”

Celebrated December 26-January 1

During theKwanzaa Karumua

(celebration)

Kukaribisha (Welcoming)

Kuumba (Remembering)

Kwanzaa Karumua

Kuchunguza Tena

Na Kutoa Ahadi

Tena

(reassesment

and

recommitment)

Kushangilla

(rejoicing)

Kwanzaa Karumua

Kutoa Majina Calling names of family Ancestors and

Black Heroes

and a Tarnshi la Tutaonana a farewell statement is made

Kwanzaa Karumua

Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)

Libation Statement:“For the Motherland cradle of civilizationFor the Ancestors and their indomitable spiritFor the Elders from whom we can learn much.For the Youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.For the People the original people.For the Struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.For Umoja the principle of Unity which should guide us in all that we do.For the Creator who provide all things Great and Small.”

Feast Kikombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup)

Filled with water (the essence of life)

is passed around

In the direction of the 4 winds

N, S, E, W

Feast

NgomaDrums are

played

Feast

Kuumba Creativity

Hand crafted gifts are given

Kwanzaa Colors are displayed…

Green Black Red Represent the

heritage of African-American people

Kinara- Candle holder

Similar to a Menorah in the Jewish faith for Chanukah

Kinara- 7 candles reflect the 7 principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa

Kinara

Mishumaa saba 7 candles 1 black 3 red 3 green “Gifts that are

enriching.”

Mkeka

Straw placemat Foundation of the

center piece

Corn

Symbolize African

concept of

Social parenthood

Vibunzi- each ear of corn for each child in household

Mazao

Fruits and vegetables

Kwanzaa-”first fruits of the harvest.”

Kuumba Yams 6-9 medium yams Butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 cup honey Spices, nutmeg, cinnamon all spice Fruits, raisins, grated coconut, pineapple Wash yams Rub with oil Place in uncovered shallow baking dish Bake 45 minutes or until tender Cool Add different spices and/or fruits to yams

Black-eye Pea Salad Black-eyes peas symbolize Good Luck! 3 15oz. Cans black-eye peas 2 cups cooked cubed ham 1 cup celery 1 large green/red pepper 1 med onion 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 1 cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper Stir, refrigerate and eat.

“To do always as much as we canin the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial then we inherited it.”