Kwanzaa Dinner

Dec 6, 2023 12:00 AM

Kwanzaa is a 7-day African-American & Pan-African holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate our culture, heritage, & foster unity during a time of incredible racial strife. Since 1966, Kwanzaa is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Derived from the phrase "matuna ya kwanza" meaning "first fruits" in Swahili, Kwanzaa incorporates 7 principles, called "Nguzo Saba" and 7 symbols that represent values of African culture. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red, & green; black for us as a people, red for our struggle, and green for the future hope that comes from our struggle. Centered around a traditional African harvest, Kwanzaa is a festive time for feasting and celebrating.
There are a multitude of ways to celebrate Kwanzaa which involves showing respect for ancestors and coming together through song, dance, African drums, storytelling, and poetry reading. We encourage families to be creative and celebrate Kwanzaa in your own way with an intention on practicing the 7 principles of Kwanzaa:

  • Umoja (unity)
  • Kujichagulia (self-determination)
  • Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
  • Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
  • Nia (purpose)
  • Kuumba (creativity)
  • Imani (faith)
A presentation at the Kwanzaa event
Executive Board members are presenting the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

In celebration of Kwanzaa, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partnered with the Black Student Alliance for a meaningful evening including dinner with cultural food, a presentation on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, history, and fun games for the holiday's significance.