What in the world is Kwanzaa?

This happens to be question that often puzzles African American families around the world. Truth is, it is not their fault that they may not be familiar with this holiday, considering my family has experienced the same exact wondering.

The cultural holiday of Kwanzaa was first established by Maulana Karenga in 1966 in Los Angeles, California. Karenga had high hopes of bringing the African American Community together while facing constant oppression and heartache. Kwanzaa was meant to be a holiday that would recognize African heritage that was stripped away from newly born African Americans following the slave trade. It also honors family, community, and culture through the seven principles listed below.

December 26: "Umoja" — Unity

December 27: "Kujichagulia" — Self-determination

December 28: "Ujima" — Collective work and responsibility

December 29: "Ujamaa" — Cooperative economics

December 30: "Nia" — Purpose

December 31: "Kuumba" — Creativity

January 1: "Imani" — Faith.

It is noted that Non African-Americans are also welcome to participate in greetings. The traditional greeting for them is "Joyous Kwanzaa."

Today Kwanzaa is practiced all around the world from the deep roots of Africa to the Bay area.

On a personal note, after researching this holiday and acknowledging our African heritage my family recognizes that the principles of Kwanzaa are universal. The beauty of the principles lies with the fact that they can be referenced to all people. From Unity to Self-determination, although they come out of the black struggle they are not limited as black principles. Commonly, the principles apply to any community, situation, and all people can relate to them. They have universal appeal.

At its core, Kwanzaa is about bringing a large amount of people together. During this time, venturing into 2017, my family and I believe that the coming together of people is one of the many positive things that will make real change. Additionally, Kwanzaa is a celebration that appeals to our beliefs and values as well as our cultural heritage. It is a blessing to have a holiday to celebrate our ancestors and the bettering of a community.