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Kwanzaa is Something to Feel Good About!

By Saundra Cutrér Browning, Museum Educator, Chicago Children’s Museum

As a young mother living in San Francisco, I read a short article about Kwanzaa, a holiday developed in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga in California. I was intrigued by the idea of a celebration for Americans of African ancestry to pay tribute to their rich cultural roots, and I felt it would be a meaningful addition to my family’s holiday traditions.

Whether or not you are African American, Kwanzaa (December 26 though January 1) is a way to expand your own holiday traditions. Parents of many races are now embracing Kwanzaa because of the important life lessons represented in its seven guiding principles. There are many ways to celebrate and build on the principles of Kwanzaa throughout the year.

The word Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” in the East African language of Kiswahili. Central to the holiday is the creation of a beautiful Kwanzaa display, which includes a Kinara (candle holder) with seven candles—one black, three red, and three green—as well as a woven placemat holding fruits and vegetables, including one ear of corn for each child in the household and a communal unity cup.

During Kwanzaa, my family and friends take turns lighting the candles and reading aloud the principle for that day. Then, each person shares how that principle will be incorporated into his or her life. From my experience, children are very enthusiastic about participating in this process. Here are some ways for actively involving young children in the seven days of Kwanzaa.

Day 1: Umoja (oo-mo-jah), or Unity. Working for the greater good by showing purpose in each home and neighborhood. During Kwanzaa, my neighbors hold a progressive party, in which families stop at a number of homes to celebrate each of the seven principles. Planning something together as a community or family, and involving children in the process, is a great way to demonstrate unity.

Day 2: Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-lee-ah), or Self-Determination. Being YOU each day and expressing yourself in the very best way. Lighting the second candle can be an occasion to ask family members what makes them unique. Create artwork that celebrates various aspects of yourself—your appearance, your hobbies, your interests, and your important relationships.

Day 3: Ujima (oo-jee-mah), or Collective Work and Responsibility. Working together for the greater good and helping each other succeed. Children grow through opportunities that contribute to their families and communities. You might design a home chore list by asking each family member to choose an important job. Or your family might volunteer for a neighborhood clean-up day or book drive.

Day 4: Ujamaa (oo-jah-mah), or Cooperative Economics. Sharing the income we earn and teaching skills to build a stronger economy. Help children understand the idea of economics by making it concrete and personal. Can toys be time-shared or traded once the excitement wears off? What are ways your family can help other families in need? How can you recycle or reuse items rather than discarding them?

Day 5: Nia (nee-ah), or Purpose. Finding the purpose that you are destined to fulfill while being true to yourself. Ask family members to talk about what they would like to accomplish in the coming year. Make a list of tangible goals—specific things each of you can actually accomplish. Post the list near your calendar, and revisit your goals at least once a month.

Day 6: Kuumba (koo-oom-bah), or Creativity. Appreciating everyone’s unique perspective and creative style. Kwanzaa is an opportunity to make handmade gifts that celebrate creativity. Work as a family to share skills and create special items, such as woven placemats, quilts, knitted or crocheted scarves, paper-bead jewelry, or handmade books. Frame a piece of your child’s artwork to give as a gift to grandparents.

Day 7: Imani (ee-mah-nee), or Faith. Bringing people together to enrich every soul. Faith means different things to different people, but Kwanzaa provides a perfect occasion to explore beliefs with children. Whether you choose to participate in faith-based activities, explore the beauty of the natural world, or express your spirituality through music, spend time focusing on what inspires you.

During Kwanzaa, when I hear the phrase Habara Gani—which means “what is the news?”—my response is, “Kwanzaa is something to feel good about, all year long!”

Since introducing my family to Kwanzaa over twenty years ago, this celebration has become popular throughout the world. Here are some books about this young American holiday:

My First Kwanzaa by Deborah Newton Chocolate
The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington and Stephen Taylor
The Gifts of Kwanzaa by Synthia Saint James
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis and Daniel Minter
Celebrating Kwanzaa by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith and Lawrence Migdale
Kwanzaa by Deborah Newton Chocolate and Melody Rosales
Imani’s Gift at Kwanzaa by Denise Burden-Patmon and Floyd Cooper

© 2007 Chicago Children's Museum

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