Habari Gani? What's the News? Kwanzaa!
KWANZAA ON A NEED TO KNOW BASIS
Dr. Maulana Karenga, an important key figure in the Black nationalist movement, founded Kwanzaa more than 45
years ago. Since 1964, Kwanzaa has evolved into more than a celebration of our African roots. It is becoming
accepted nationally as a way to embrace African heritage and traditions; recognize and respect our ancestors
collectively, however they arrived and endured life here. Crossed over from being family-oriented to schools,
religious, civic and community organizations. Caribbean and Hispanic Americans of African descent are attending
public or family Kwanzaa celebrations seemingly more than that of their American counterparts. Many African
Americans are now just becoming exposed to it as a celebration, which reveres self-determination, unity and self-
love. Native Americans along the eastern seaboard have winter Pow wows around this time of the year, and for
biracial Natives, Kwanza(a) or first fruits in Kiswahili, fits nicely into the theme of the Pow wow which is to
prepare for the cold weather, celebrate life with family and friends, bless everything which has died and pray for
all alive. More than 15 million African Americans have made Kwanzaa an annual celebration, something to look
forward to and put the lessons learned into effect for the next year to come.
Kwanzaa seeks to reinforce the bonds between parents and children. Kwanzaa teaches values to aid African
Americans in self-consciousness and provide support and defense for our people. Starting December 12th, start
preparing your family and schedule meetings to assign tasks for the celebration. On December 19th, gather and
arrange your symbols and any decorations.
You’ll need a (Bendira Ya Taifa) red, black and green flag to hang up facing the East. Arrange your symbols
on a low table or on the floor near the flag. If you have small children, put it as high up as possible and keep
the candles lit only during the celebration. The candles represent each of the seven principles, called the Nguzo
Saba. Set up your straw mat (Mkeka, which symbolizes tradition and by extension history) with fruit (Mazao which
represent rewards of collective labor), and place ears of corn (Muhindi or Vibunzi) along either side of the basket.
Usually it’s one ear each for male and female child. The candleholder (Kinara, which represents the African
continent) rests near the center at the edge of the mat. One black, three red, and three green candles (Mishumaa
Saba) go in the kinara. The black one in the center is to be lit first (and is the first one you’ll need to replace
so get more than one when you purchase your candles). To the left are the three red candles the next ones to light,
then the green ones, the last. Place the cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja, symbolizes the spirit of oneness) on the mat, a
book used for inspiration and you’re set.
On December 26th, use the greeting “Habari Gani?” or What’s the News? to those who celebrate. The Mtume
(Teacher) calls together everyone and greets all. The response is “Nzuri Kwanzaa, Nguzo Saba.” Being this is the
first day the response following Nzuri Kwanzaa would be Umoja (Unity). Each day the response changes using a symbol
a day for instance, “Nzuri Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia” on the second day, etc.
The Nguzo Saba: UMOJA/Unity: To strive and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
KUJICHAGULIA/Self-determination: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
UJIMA/Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and
sisters’ problems our problems and solve them together. UJAMAA/ Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our
own stores, shops and other businesses and profit from them together. NIA/Purpose: To make our collective vocation
the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
KUUMBA/Creativity: To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more
beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. IMANI/Faith: To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents,
our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Harambee! (Let’s Pull Together) is a call for unity and collective work and struggle of the family. Should
be done by the youth assigned to light the candles. Each person raises up the right arm with an open hand and while
pulling down closes the hand into a fist. This is done in sets of seven in honor and reinforcement of the Seven
Principles (Nguzo Saba). The Mtume briefly addresses the concepts using the focus of Kwanzaa as a sense of
direction.
The Tambiko (Libation) is performed by an elder. Recite “Tamshi La Tambiko” while pouring water or juice
into the Kikombe, the communal cup of unity. The elder drinks first then everyone takes a sip, on down to the
youngest. In public celebrations, the gesture of drinking from the cup is accepted. Then some is poured in all for
directions, this is to honor our ancestors. Harambee call for unity again, then the youth assigned lights the black
candle in the middle and the candle for the principle of the day. This principle is discussed by every member
participating. Focus on the understanding of the principle and their personal commitment to be practiced for the
betterment of self, family and our people.
Harambee once more ... A story, song or scripture reading reflective of the principle for the day, essential
in reinforcing the meaning of that principle. Gifts (zawadi) are not necessary, but handmade gifts are strongly
encouraged over commercial purchases. Items related to heritage or history that will help the person through the
next year are preferred. They should be reflective of a commitment to education, the richness of our cultural
heritage and a sign of the struggle for liberation for our people. You can give gifts one for each day or during
the Karamu (Feast) on December 31st. The Feast includes dancing, music, food, etc.
After the affirmation of the seventh principle Imani (Faith) on January 1st, there is one last Harambee then
a closing prayer. Finally, the Tamshi La Tutaonana, a reflective look on the week past, progressive thought and
religious contemplation and discussion concludes this holiday. Kwanzaa Yenu Iwe Na Heri! Or, May Your Kwanzaa be
Happy!
Remember, Elimika! (Be Educated!)
© 2012 Karen Pearl Sharpe
Dr. Maulana Karenga, an important key figure in the Black nationalist movement, founded Kwanzaa more than 45
years ago. Since 1964, Kwanzaa has evolved into more than a celebration of our African roots. It is becoming
accepted nationally as a way to embrace African heritage and traditions; recognize and respect our ancestors
collectively, however they arrived and endured life here. Crossed over from being family-oriented to schools,
religious, civic and community organizations. Caribbean and Hispanic Americans of African descent are attending
public or family Kwanzaa celebrations seemingly more than that of their American counterparts. Many African
Americans are now just becoming exposed to it as a celebration, which reveres self-determination, unity and self-
love. Native Americans along the eastern seaboard have winter Pow wows around this time of the year, and for
biracial Natives, Kwanza(a) or first fruits in Kiswahili, fits nicely into the theme of the Pow wow which is to
prepare for the cold weather, celebrate life with family and friends, bless everything which has died and pray for
all alive. More than 15 million African Americans have made Kwanzaa an annual celebration, something to look
forward to and put the lessons learned into effect for the next year to come.
Kwanzaa seeks to reinforce the bonds between parents and children. Kwanzaa teaches values to aid African
Americans in self-consciousness and provide support and defense for our people. Starting December 12th, start
preparing your family and schedule meetings to assign tasks for the celebration. On December 19th, gather and
arrange your symbols and any decorations.
You’ll need a (Bendira Ya Taifa) red, black and green flag to hang up facing the East. Arrange your symbols
on a low table or on the floor near the flag. If you have small children, put it as high up as possible and keep
the candles lit only during the celebration. The candles represent each of the seven principles, called the Nguzo
Saba. Set up your straw mat (Mkeka, which symbolizes tradition and by extension history) with fruit (Mazao which
represent rewards of collective labor), and place ears of corn (Muhindi or Vibunzi) along either side of the basket.
Usually it’s one ear each for male and female child. The candleholder (Kinara, which represents the African
continent) rests near the center at the edge of the mat. One black, three red, and three green candles (Mishumaa
Saba) go in the kinara. The black one in the center is to be lit first (and is the first one you’ll need to replace
so get more than one when you purchase your candles). To the left are the three red candles the next ones to light,
then the green ones, the last. Place the cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja, symbolizes the spirit of oneness) on the mat, a
book used for inspiration and you’re set.
On December 26th, use the greeting “Habari Gani?” or What’s the News? to those who celebrate. The Mtume
(Teacher) calls together everyone and greets all. The response is “Nzuri Kwanzaa, Nguzo Saba.” Being this is the
first day the response following Nzuri Kwanzaa would be Umoja (Unity). Each day the response changes using a symbol
a day for instance, “Nzuri Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia” on the second day, etc.
The Nguzo Saba: UMOJA/Unity: To strive and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
KUJICHAGULIA/Self-determination: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
UJIMA/Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and
sisters’ problems our problems and solve them together. UJAMAA/ Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our
own stores, shops and other businesses and profit from them together. NIA/Purpose: To make our collective vocation
the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
KUUMBA/Creativity: To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more
beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. IMANI/Faith: To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents,
our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Harambee! (Let’s Pull Together) is a call for unity and collective work and struggle of the family. Should
be done by the youth assigned to light the candles. Each person raises up the right arm with an open hand and while
pulling down closes the hand into a fist. This is done in sets of seven in honor and reinforcement of the Seven
Principles (Nguzo Saba). The Mtume briefly addresses the concepts using the focus of Kwanzaa as a sense of
direction.
The Tambiko (Libation) is performed by an elder. Recite “Tamshi La Tambiko” while pouring water or juice
into the Kikombe, the communal cup of unity. The elder drinks first then everyone takes a sip, on down to the
youngest. In public celebrations, the gesture of drinking from the cup is accepted. Then some is poured in all for
directions, this is to honor our ancestors. Harambee call for unity again, then the youth assigned lights the black
candle in the middle and the candle for the principle of the day. This principle is discussed by every member
participating. Focus on the understanding of the principle and their personal commitment to be practiced for the
betterment of self, family and our people.
Harambee once more ... A story, song or scripture reading reflective of the principle for the day, essential
in reinforcing the meaning of that principle. Gifts (zawadi) are not necessary, but handmade gifts are strongly
encouraged over commercial purchases. Items related to heritage or history that will help the person through the
next year are preferred. They should be reflective of a commitment to education, the richness of our cultural
heritage and a sign of the struggle for liberation for our people. You can give gifts one for each day or during
the Karamu (Feast) on December 31st. The Feast includes dancing, music, food, etc.
After the affirmation of the seventh principle Imani (Faith) on January 1st, there is one last Harambee then
a closing prayer. Finally, the Tamshi La Tutaonana, a reflective look on the week past, progressive thought and
religious contemplation and discussion concludes this holiday. Kwanzaa Yenu Iwe Na Heri! Or, May Your Kwanzaa be
Happy!
Remember, Elimika! (Be Educated!)
© 2012 Karen Pearl Sharpe