Chuck D Speaks On The Importance Of Kwanzaa

VIDEO: December is an exciting month in the Ma’at home because there is an increased emphasis on the importance of family and community.  Our children struggle to contain their excitement as they anxiously anticipate Dec. 25th.  Once Chrismas arrives they quickly shift their focus and enthusiasm toward the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa.  Kwanzaa is a family and community celebration that focusses on 7 principles.  The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).   During this time period we attend community events, we make gifts for each other, we spend time talking about the importance of each principle, and on the last day of Kwanzaa which is Imani (Faith) we participate in a Kwanzaa Karamu which is a feast.  We cherish this time of year because it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our unique value and our responsibility to contribute that divine uniqueness to our community.  To set the record straight…Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday.  Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration that reinforces the greatness of our past and present historical experiences.  Kwanzaa is about lifting up who we are as a people, examining our frailties, and being intentional about making forward progress in the year to come.  We invite you participate in this wonderful celebration and remind you that your best days are yet to come.  Habari Gani!