There are seven principles, or reasons, for Kwanzaa. These reasons explain why Kwanzaa takes place, and why Kwanzaa means so much to African American people.
In Swahili, these seven principles are called Nguzo Saba. African Americans try to keep the Nguzo Saba in their hearts all year round, but is especially important to remember them during Kwanzaa.
Umoja stands for Unity. Umoja means helping each other stay together as families, communities, a nation, and a race.
Kujichagulia stands for Self-Determination. This is the right to decide who we are, what our names will be, what we will become, and what we will create for ourselves. We will not let others do these things for us.
Ujima means Collective Work and Responsibility. This means we should build and take care of our communities. We should work together to solve our problems.
Ujamaa means Cooperative Economics. This means that we should build and maitain our own stores, shops, and businesses. We should profit from them together.
Nia stands for Purpose. Our purpose should be to make our people and communities as great as they can be. We can do this by taking care of our homes and communities and developing the skills and knowledge of all our people.
Kuumba means Creativity. As African American people we should do as much as we can, in our unique way, to make our homes and communities more successful and beautiful.
Imani stands for Faith. We strive to believe with all ourhearts in the worth of African Americans. We believe in the struggle and victory of our people.
-Principles taken from the book Kwanzaa written by Sharon Gayle
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