The Kwanzaa Celebration begins today. The celebration runs from December 26th-January 1st. Many communities around the world are sharing in this Black and Pan-American holiday.

I wanted to take the time to remind you of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These principles are important I named my business after one of the principles that embodied what I wanted to convey to my community. My company is Ujima Magazine. The seven principles are called Nguzo Saba in Swahili. They are:

Umoja (Unity)- Importance of togetherness for family and community.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)- Define our common interest and make decisions that are best for our family and community.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) – Reminds us of our obligation and role we have to our community, society and world.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)- Emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

Nia (Purpose)- Encourages us to look within ourselves to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

Kuumba (Creativity)- Make use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

Imani (Faith)- Honor our best traditions, draw upon the best of ourselves and strive for a higher level of life for humankind. Affirm our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in our righteous struggle.

Courtesy of http://theblackcandle.com/about-kwanzaa/

For more information about the ritual of activities and food that goes along with the Kwanzaa celebration.http://www.novareinna.com/festive/kwanzaa.html

Video:

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history/videos/history-of-kwanzaa