FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2017 49
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HOLIDAY OF
KWANZAA, a Celebration of Family, Community
and Culture is the book written by the creator of
Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga.
In his book he states that, "It is out of the
common values and practices of Continental
African First Fruit celebrations that I began to
develop Kwanzaa. But it was through the context
of African American life and struggle that I
completed its creation."
Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first
fruits"
Swahili is a language spoken all over eastern
and central Africa. Dr. Karenga chose this
language because he wanted African Americans
to remember that the entire continent of Africa was their ancestral
land.
Dr. Karenga uses Kwanzaa to introduce and reinforce Seven Value
Principles known as the Nguzo Saba.
These values are: Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and
Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and
Faith. Kwanzaa was also created to address the lack of national non-
heroic holidays among the African American community.
Created in Los Angeles in 1966, Kwanzaa is a
week-long celebration from Dec. 26 through Jan.
1. It is a cultural holiday verses a religious holiday;
and is not meant as an alternative or replacement
to Christmas as some people may believe.
Like all holidays, Kwanzaa has its own symbols
and colors as well. There are seven symbols: crops,
a mat, the candle holder, corn, gifts, the unity cup,
and seven candles.
Kwanzaa colors are Red, Black, and Green-
colors originally established by Hon. Marcus
Garvey.
Black stands for the people, Red for our
continuing struggle, and Green for the future we
are building from our struggle.
Activities and procedures are: table set, gifts, a feast, crafts,
a party, and a song. For more information, check out www.
officialkwanzaawebsite.org/celeb-procedures.
The AACC encourages you to become a part of a growing group
of people striving to make a difference in our community. Our
next meeting is Dec. 4, in the Lodge Card Room at 6 pm. For more
information, please contact Joyce Allen at (951) 769-4354 or Roxie
Elliott at (951) 769-2517. ~ Regina Thomas
African American Cultural Club
