Kwanzaa is an African American holiday started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor at the California State University in Long Beach, California. The word "Kwanzaa" means "the first fruits." The holiday was started to encourage people to think about their African heritage. Kwanzaa is based on several African festivals. In Kwanzaa there are seven NGUZO SABA or principles. The seven principles are:
Umoja- which means unity
Kujichagulia- which means self determination
Ujima- means collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa- means cooperative economics
Nia- means purpose
Kuumba- means creativity
Imani- means faith

The colors of the kwanzaa celebration are :
Black- represents the face of our people
Red- represents the blood or people shed
Green- represents the hope and the color of the motherland



Kwanzaa Recipes

Kwanzaa Cards