HAPPY KWANZAA

On the last day of Kwanzaa the Faith (Imani) principle is discussed.

                         IMANI

To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. 

Affirmation: 

I will have faith, strong and unshakable in the Supreme Deity and its Grand Goodness and in myself and the inherent goodness of others.  

I will sweep away all fear of the unknown, past regrets and concerns for the future from my mind and meet each day with active faith. 

I will give thanks for both expected and unexpected good and will help others have faith in themselves and others.

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On the 6th day of Kwanzaa the Creativity (Kuumba) principle is discussed.

               KUUMBA

To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our communities more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it.

Affirmation:

I will free myself to experience new ideas, new viewpoints, new philosophies, new understandings.

My thoughts will be charged with positiveness and I will try to bring forth things of grace and beauty to my world and to those in my circle.

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On the 5th day the Purpose (Nia) principle is discussed.

                     NIA

To make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our communities in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Affirmation:

I will make a special contribution in life and do so joyfully, willingly and freely.

I will try my best to find my path and purpose in life through prayer, meditation and spiritual readings and take positive action.

I will use my talents in cooperation with the talents of others so together we may prosper.

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On the 4th day the Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa) principle is discussed.  Click on the candles to hear the Swahili pronunciation of the names of  Kwanzaa's seven principles.

                UJAMAA

To come together to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Affirmation:

I will reach out to others with cooperation.

I will try my best to prepare myself for financial exchanges with others and look
forward to positive exchange with each event.  I will use my talents in cooperation with the talents of others so together we may prosper..

Definitions & affirmations are from this site.

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The graphic is from the official Kwanzaa website. Click on the graphic to visit the site.

On the 3rd day of Kwanzaa the Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima) principle is discussed.

                UJIMA

To come together to build and maintain our communities.
To carry our brothers' & sisters' problems and together solve them.

Affirmation:

I will reach out to others with positiveness.
I will try my best to help others solve their problems through my words, deeds
and actions.
I will do good through my work and I will join others who are doing good
through their work.
I will never leave my brother or sister unaided.

The definitions and affirmations are from this site.

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               UMOJA

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Affirmation:

I will work to enhance both my inner and outer world.
I will think positive thoughts and take positive actions to contribute to the well-being of my world and all that's around me.
I will strive to live in harmony with those within and without my circle.  

         KUJICHAGULIA

To define and name ourselves. To create and speak for ourselves, instead of having others defining, or determining our paths or SELVES.   
     
Affirmation:
 
I will have the time, the ability, energy and determination to do all that is set before me.

I will have the self-discipline and self-determination to follow my path with sureness of purpose.

The definitions and affirmations are from this site

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THE SEVEN BASIC PRINCIPLES
Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."

Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.

Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.

Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

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