7 Kwanzaa Principles represent power in words
Maxine L. Bryant
Habari Gani!
That means “What’s the news?” in Swahili. The news during Kwanzaa is the principle for each day. Of all the holidays observed in December Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is probably the least understood.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.”
Observance of Kwanzaa is not to replace Christmas or any other faith-based holiday. Rather, it is a seven-day non-faith based observation to honor and appreciate African-American heritage through focusing on seven principles or values that reaffirm our community and culture. It is based on seven Swahili Principles and is observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. On the sixth day, a community feast is held called the Karamu.