7. Dr. Maulana Karenga wrote extensively about Kwanzaa but personally I feel saying he "invented Kwanzaa" misses some of the significance of the holiday.
8. It grows out of a long tradition of Black Americans seeking a connection to the homelands we cannot name.
9. It is a holiday about self improvement and personal growth and VERY anti-commercial.
10. It's a time to ask if you are doing enough to support your community.
I grew up celebrating Kwanzaa. So this is just my perspective.
11. The week from Christmas to New Years is a perfect "time of reflection" this is one of the most compelling aspects of the holiday. You are invited to spend a week reflecting on the year in seven ways:
Umoja: Community unity eg agreeing on what the work is.
Kujichagulia: Self-determination to do the work
Ujima: Doing your share of the work.
Ujamaa: Material local investment.
Nia: A shared vision of a better future.
Kuumba: Creativity, your differences and new ideas are valued.
Imani: Faith
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