KWANZAA

The word Kwanza (note without the additional a) is Swahili and originates from the phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza’ which means ‘first fruits’.

Day 1 26/12	UMOJA	UNITY To strive for and maintain unity in the family, nation and race Bonding-Getting to know each other Playtime, developing TRUST Day of Pure Potentiality: “Everything is possible, no matter what.”
Day 2 27/12	KUJICHAGULIA	SELF DETERMINATION To define ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others Day of Giving: “If you want to get something, give it.”
Day 3 28/12	UJIMA	COLLECTIVE WORK & RESPONSIBILITY To build and maintain our community together and make our sister’s and brother’s problems our problems and solve them together. Day of Karma: ”When you make a choice, you change the future.”
Day 4 29/12	UJAMAA	COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and profit from them together. Day of Least Effort: “Don’t say no- go with the flow.”
Day 5 30/12	NIA	PURPOSE To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our peoples to their traditional greatness Day of Dharma: “You are here for a reason.”
Day 6 31/12	KUUMBA	CREATIVITY To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Day of Detachment: “Enjoy the journey.”
Day 7 1/1	IMANI	FAITH To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. Day of Intention and Desire: “Every time you wish or want, you plant a seed.”