John,
December 26th is the start of Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by Maulana Karenga as a way of empowering Black communities in the aftermath of Watts Rebellion.
It's important that we recognize Kwanzaa, as it is often overlooked in American culture. But Kwanzaa is significant to countless Black families across the diaspora and holds a rich history.
During the week of Kwanzaa, which is December 26th to January 1st, Black families and communities everywhere come together to honor our Ancestors, affirm our bonds with them, celebrate their contributions, as well as embrace African and African American culture.
On each day of Kwanzaa, a principle is recognized and celebrated and placed on the candleholder, known as a Kinara.
Here are the Kwanzaa Days and their meanings:
December 26 - Kwanzaa Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity for our race, community, and family. Only we keep us safe.
December 27 – Kwanzaa Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Understand how we define ourselves, represent ourselves, speak for ourselves, and create for ourselves.
December 28 – Kwanzaa Day 3: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
This refers to building and maintaining our community together – solving and understanding our problems as ours and working together.
December 29 – Kwanzaa Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
We must prioritize Black businesses. Fight for our equity and opportunity. This refers to building and maintaining our own stores and only spending our resources on our own stores to profit from and advance them together.
December 30 – Kwanzaa Day 5: Nia (Purpose)
Our collective mission/vocation should be toward the building and development of all Black communities in order to restore our people to greatness and tradition.
December 31 – Kwanzaa Day 6: Kuumba (Creativity)
We should always leave the Black spaces we inherit more beautiful and beneficial than we started with when we got there.
January 1 – Kwanzaa Day 7 – Imani (Faith)
No matter our struggle, we must believe in all our hearts that we and our people can overcome all.
John – Happy Kwanzaa to all those who celebrate!
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter
