The Cultural Story Behind the Kinara Candelabrum

What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural and historical celebration that runs from December 26 to January 1 each year. The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an African American scholar, with the aim of uniting the African American community and celebratingAfrican cultural heritage, family, and community values.

At the heart of Kwanzaa are the Nguzo Saba, or "Seven Principles." These seven principles are:

Umoja (Unity)

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

Nia (Purpose)

Kuumba (Creativity)

Imani (Faith)

The celebrations often include singing, dancing, storytelling, poetry readings, and displays of African American arts and crafts. On each day of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit to represent one of the seven principles