K w a n z a a

1. Kwanzaa

2. Kwanzaa Today you are going to learn: • The purpose of Kwanzaa • The colors of Kwanzaa • What “Kwanzaa” means in Swahili • At least 5 countries of Africa • The 7 basic symbols of Kwanzaa • The 7 principles of Kwanzaa

3. Kwanzaa • Kwanzaa means “the first fruit” in Swahili. • Swahili is a language spoken in Africa. • Remember, Africa is a continent. • Can you name the countries of Africa?

4. Africa

5. Where in the world is Africa?

6. Countries of Africa

7. Kwanzaa • Unlike many other cultural celebrations around the world in the month of December, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday.

9. Symbols ofKwanzaa Mkeka A traditional straw or woven textile mat, called a mkeka, is one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa. Those who celebrate Kwanzaa view the mkeka as the base for the other six symbols of Kwanzaa, representing the idea that nothing can be built without having a foundation upon which to rest. From: http://www.education.com/activity/article/weave-kwanzaa-mat/ Mkeka - the mat Kinara - the candleholder Mishumaa Saba - the seven candles Kikombe cha Umoja - the unity cup Mazao - the crops Muhindi - corn Zawadi - gifts

10. Kwanzaa Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) During Kwanzaa, families light candles in a candleholder called a kinara. Each day of Kwanzaa has a special meaning or principle. At the end of the seven days, children receive African or handmade gifts. Families and friends enjoy a feast, sing songs, play music and share stories of their family history.

11. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race.

12. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race. 2. Kujich agulia (Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) – self determination To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny.

13. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race. 2. Kujich agulia (Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) – self determination To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny. 3. Ujima (Oo-gee-mah) – collective work and responsibility To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one another within your community.

14. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race. 2. Kujich agulia (Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) – self determination To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny. 3. Ujima (Oo-gee-mah) – collective work and responsibility To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one another within your community. 4. Ujamaa (Oo-jah-mah) – cooperative economics To build, maintain, and support our own stores, establishments, and businesses.

15. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race. 2. Kujich agulia (Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) – self determination To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny. 3. Ujima (Oo-gee-mah) – collective work and responsibility To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one another within your community. 4. Ujamaa (Oo-jah-mah) – cooperative economics To build, maintain, and support our own stores, establishments, and businesses. 5. Nia (Nee-ah) – purpose To restore African American people to their traditional greatness. To be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants).

16. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race. 2. Kujich agulia (Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) – self determination To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny. 3. Ujima (Oo-gee-mah) – collective work and responsibility To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one another within your community. 4. Ujamaa (Oo-jah-mah) – cooperative economics To build, maintain, and support our own stores, establishments, and businesses. 5. Nia (Nee-ah) – purpose To restore African American people to their traditional greatness. To be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants). 6. Kuumba (Koom-bah) – creativity Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.

17. Kwanzaa 7 principles of Kwanzaa 1. Umoja (Oo-moe-jah) – unity Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race. 2. Kujich agulia (Koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) – self determination To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny. 3. Ujima (Oo-gee-mah) – collective work and responsibility To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one another within your community. 4. Ujamaa (Oo-jah-mah) – cooperative economics To build, maintain, and support our own stores, establishments, and businesses. 5. Nia (Nee-ah) – purpose To restore African American people to their traditional greatness. To be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants). 6. Kuumba (Koom-bah) – creativity Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited. 7. Imani (Ee-mahn-e) – faith Believing in our people, our families, our educators, our leaders and the righteousness of the African American struggle.

18. And now…let’s learn a little more about Kwanzaa from the History Channel. Click here: http://www.history.com/topics/kwanzaa-history/videos#history-of-kwanzaa

19. Images of Kwanzaa

20. Your Kwanzaa Mission: • Now it’s time for you to work independently and take charge of your learning about Kwanzaa. • You will receive an activity packet to accompany your worksheet. • First: Read through your packet. • Second: Finish your worksheet. • Third: Have fun working on the puzzles and map in your packet.

21. End of part 1

22. Our Kwanzaa Karamu This afternoon we are going to honor the sixth day of Kwanzaa – Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): creativity We are going to create our own Mkeka! (Wait, what’s that again?)

23. Mkeka A traditional straw or woven textile mat, called a mkeka, is one of the seven symbols of Kwanzaa. Those who celebrate Kwanzaa view the mkeka as the base for the other six symbols of Kwanzaa, representing the idea that nothing can be built without having a foundation upon which to rest. From: http://www.education.com/activity/article/weave-kwanzaa-mat/

24. Traditionally, at the end of the Kwanzaa Karamu celebration (on December 31st), everyone stands as the elder reads (EVERYBODY STAND!) Strive for discipline, dedication, and achievement in all you do. Dare struggle and sacrifice and gain the strength that comes from this. Build where you are and dare leave a legacy that will last as long as the sun shines and the water flows. Practice daily Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani. And may the wisdom of the ancestors always walk with us. May the year's end meet us laughing, and stronger. May our children honor us by following our example in love and struggle. And at the end of next year, may we sit together again, in larger numbers, with greater achievement and closer to liberation and a higher level of life. • Then the elder leads the guests in the Harambee (ha-RAM-bee) salute. Each person raises their right fist about as high as their shoulder, then pulls down forcefully until the elbow is next to next to their torso, saying "Harambee!" This is done seven times in unison. • This concludes the Karamu celebration. NICE JOB!