Kwanzaa - Principle 6 - Kuumba

The sixth guiding principle on December 31st is Kuumba [KOO-OOMBA] and this principle represents "Creativity" - To do always as much as we can, in the way we can,in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. (Red Candle)

"Potential powers of creativity are within us and we have the duty to work assiduously to discover these powers." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kwanzaa - Principle 5 - Nia

The fifth day of the Kwanzaa celebration on December 30th is represented by the guiding principle of Nia [NEE-YAH], or "Purpose". The purpose is to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. (Green Candle)

"Policies change, programs change, according to time. But objectives never changes. You might change your method of achieving the objective, but the objective never changes. Our objective is complete freedom, complete justice, complete equality, by any means necessary." Malcolm X

Kwanzaa - Principle 4- Ujamaa

December 29th is the fourth day of Kwanzaa or Ujamaa [OO-JAH-MAH] which represents "Cooperative Economics". This principle call on us to To build and maintain our own stores and other businesses and to profit from them together (Red Candle).

"I am not a millionaire, but I hope to be some day, not for the money, but because I could do so much to help my race." Madame C.J. Walker

Kwanzaa - Principle 3- Ujima

The third guiding principle during the Kwanzaa Celebration takes place on December 28th, Ujima [OO-GEE-MAH] or "Creative Work and Responsibility". To build and maintain our community together and make our sisters' and brothers' problems our problems and solve them together, represented by a green candle.This principle recognizes that we are collectively responsible for the well being of everyone within our community. It is up to us to nurture and care for one another.

"I freed thousands of slaves, I could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves." Harriet Ross Tubman

Kwanzaa - Principle 2 - Kujichagulia

December 27th is represented by the second guiding principle of Kujichagulia [KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH] which stands for "Self-Determination"- To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves, rather than to be defined, named, created for, and spoken for by others.

Independence, freedom of action, unilaterally, freedom of choice, freedom of thought, emancipation, self-expression, individuality, national status, autonomy, self-government, self-sufficiency, independent means, competence, and prosperity. This principle is represented by a red candle.

Instructions for achieving Kujichagulia During Kwanzaa and Year Round

Step 1

Plan and prioritize a list of goals that you hope to accomplish throughout your life. These can be short, medium or long term in nature. Begin the practice of Kujichagulia in relation to achieving your list of goals.

Step 2

Picture yourself achieving each listed goal in your life. Studies have shown that positive imaging in the mind actually allows goal seekers to obtain more confidence in the possibility of achieving their goals as well as physically relaxing their bodies and minds in preparation for that action.

Step 3

Learn from your mistakes by the results and outcomes of your previous decisions. The adage says that you can never learn from failure unless you have failed and you can never fail unless you have tried. Making decisions and learning from them is a part of growing and living and is also a key factor in learning self-determination.

Step 4

Grow in knowledge in a variety of areas and subject matters. You should continue to seek knowledge wherever and whenever you can. Knowledge is the root of all power and power within oneself is the root of self-determination.

Step 5

Keep your physical body healthy and active. A healthy body creates an healthy balance between emotions and intellect. To keep your mind sharp, you must consistently eat a healthy and stay physically active throughout your entire life.

"Up you mighty race, you can accomplish what you will." Marcus Mosiah Garvey

Kwanzaa - Principle 1 - Umoja

December 26 - January 1 marks the celebration of Kwanzaa, a holiday founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach. The celebration is based on the "Nguzo Saba" or seven guiding principles, the first being Umoja [OO-MO-JAH] stands for "Unity" - To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation or race. This principle is represented by a black candle in the center of the Kinara (candle holder). To visit the official Kwanzaa website click here.

"There is a battle to be fought, there are obstacles to be overcome. There is a world struggle for human dignity to be won. Let us address ourselves seriously to the supreme tasks that lie ahead." Kwame Nkrumah