KWANZAA GUIDE

KWANZAA SYMBOLS

  •     MAZAO (Crops) - Fresh fruits and vegetables

  •     MKEKA (Place Mat) - All symbols are placed on the mat, which becomes the foundation.

  •     KINARA (The candle holder or salk) - for the seven (7) candles—one black placed in the center; three red candles placed on the left, and three green candles placed on the right.

  •     VIBUNZI (Ears of corn) — represents the number of children in the family or home.

  •     KIKOMBE CHA UMOA (Communal Unity Cup) - use to pour (Libation) drink, honoring our ancestors and reinforce family unity.

  •     MISHUMAA SABA (The Seven Candles) represents The Nguzo Sasba (The Seven Principles)

******************

KWANZAA COLORS

The official Kwanzaa colors are Black, Red, and Green.  Black is for the people; Red is for our continuing struggle and blood shed; Green is for our youth and future that we shall build together.

KWANZAA DECORATIONS

Black, Red, and Green combinations are used to decorate the home or gathering place with original creative things.  Suggested items include:  African-American or traditional African Art, paintings and carvings, cut up designs out of inexpensive crepe paper, flowers and live plants, and of course, plenty of  fresh fruits baskets.

KWANZAA KARAMU (Feast)

The night of the Karamu (feast) December 31st is a very special occasion for the entire family and the community at large  It is a time to share and enjoy a variety of food dishes, music and dance.  Everyone joins in Ujima.  The Karama opens with an informative program, welcoming all warmly.  The feast time is set aside for remembering, reassessment and recommitment.  The program is concluded with a farewell statement and a call for greater unity in our struggle.

KWANZAA ZAWADI (Gifts)

In order to keep gift giving conscious and in the Kwanzaa spirit, we suggest the following items:  books—especially on our history and biographies of African-Americans and Africans; art originals--prints, posters; gift baskets of food and freshly baked goods; cultural jewelry and clothes; records-- traditional and jazz music; instruments—drums, kilimbas, flute; household items—wooden salad and nut bowls trays; plants; toys—black dolls and action figures and black educational games.

All of the symbols should be placed  conspicuously on a low table or on the floor  (preferably wood) in the dining, living, or kitchen.

KWANZAA CARDS

The cards should be original and creative designs with messages upholding the concept, meaning and practice of Kwanzaa. Their presentation must be non-religious with strong positive African and African-American images.  It is advisable to only purchase inexpensive and reasonably priced ready-made cards.

KWANZAA GREETINGS

During Kwanzaa, we greet each other in Swahili.

Greeting: 1st day of  Kwanzaa:  Habari gani? or What’s new?

Response: The name of each of Kwanzaa.

Example: Habari gani?

Response:  1st day:  Umoja;

2ndday: Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

This greeting continues until the last day of Kwanzaa,--Imani (Faith).

[1] [2] [3]
Notes & Quotes

F.U.T.U.R.E. Fact F.U.T.U.R.E. serves approximately 100 low income youths, providing after school activities to youth between the times of 3p.m. to 9p.m., longer than any agency dedicated to serving youth in Ford Heights.

Programs should hire skilled and qualified staff that are experienced in working with school-age children. Programs should also provide attractive compensation and work scheduling packages to retain quality staff.

- After-School Programs: Keeping Children Safe and Smart, prepared for the U.S. Dept. of Education