By our own strength and culture

In dedication to Amilcar Cabral, who taught us the challenge and protracted nature of the struggle, saying, "Mask no difficulties, tell no lies, and claim no easy victories."

- Khabyr Hadas

On December 26, 2024, Black people around the country and the African world will commemorate the cultural observance of KWANZAA.

Kwanzaa, at (58) years old, remains a powerful cultural practice and continually progresses in relevance. Throughout Africa, North America, and areas of South America, the Caribbean, and even Europe, Kwanzaa has won devoted observers. Across the world, over 25 million people of African descent gather with their family and close friends to light the candles, sing African cultural songs, and rededicate themselves to the life-affirming anchors of Kwanzaa. These anchors are the Nguzu Saba, or seven principles: Umoja-Unity, Kujichaguliaself-determination, Ujima-collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa-cooperative economics, Nia-Purpose, Kuumba-creativity and Imani-faith.

Kwanzaa is based upon the African tradition of celebrating the harvesting of the first fruits. It was created and introduced for Black people in the United States by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Dr. Ron Karenga, globally referred to by the title "Maulana" (which means "master teacher" in the Kiswahili language), is the director of the Kawaida Institute for Pan-African Studies in Los Angeles, California, and retired chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University Long Beach.