Olioboard Inspiration: Celebrating 7 Inspiring Kwanzaa Principles

Entry #3145, December 27, 2013

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you were inspired by – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas‘ from Connie Parker. Today, I feature Tameka Brice who is a member of the the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she gives us insight into Kwanzaa and it’s wonderful cultural holiday celebration rituals. See how she explains the 7 Kwanzaa Principles to instill in your family this holiday season.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #60

‘Celebrating 7 Inspiring Kwanzaa Principles ’ – Tameka Brice

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. At least that is what Ronald Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, hoped for the people of African descent. Founded in 1966, Karenga’s purpose was to provide a holiday that inspired people of African descent to celebrate their heritage and culture. The original plan was for Africans and African Americans to celebrate the holiday instead of Christmas. It is widely-known the founder believed too many people of African descent were taking up the culture, history and identity of the dominant society in America instead of learning their own culture fully. As Kwanzaa became more popular, Karenga believed it was necessary for many Christians to celebrate the holiday along with Christmas. From December 26-January 1, Kwanzaa spans an entire week where each day has a specific meaning focusing on seven principles.

The seven Kwanzaa principles include the following:

1. Umoja (Unity): To aspire to have unity in the family, community, nation, and race

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): This principle is an attempt to define who we are as a people.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Am I my brother’s keeper? This principle means to build up our community, help those who cannot help themselves, and guide those who have the potential to achieve greatness.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To create our own businesses and support businesses within the community.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to greatness

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To build up and keep our community strong, wealthy, and aesthetically beautifully for those generations who come behind us.

7. Imani: (Faith): To believe in our leaders and the purpose of our struggle for the benefit of achieving generational success.

Kwanzaa symbols: These symbols are used to set the table in African festive décor.

1. Decorative mat (Mkeka) that is placed on a table.

2. Corn (Muhindi)

3. Candle holder (Kinara)with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba)

4. Communal cup

5. Gifts (Zawadi)

6. A poster of the Seven Principles

7. An African flag with the colors of red, green, and black.

Although Kwanzaa may not be for every person of African descent, the goal for all is to embrace where we came from and who we are for the purpose of leading generations to follow down a path of ever-lasting knowledge.

About Tameka:

Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Tameka Brice now resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child and dog. She is a Customs Brokerage Representative at a large brokerage firm. In addition, Tameka is currently finishing her dissertation. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, shopping, and experimenting with Pesco-vegetarian meals. The future aspirations of Tameka includes learning Spanish, traveling to Paris, writing a book, and just enjoying family time. This is a special time of the year. For those in the holiday spirit, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa.

For more Olioboard Inspiration on Stagetecture, click here.