Kwanzaa – The Meaning and Explanation of Kwanzaa
by
John C Abercrombie
This post is dedicated to the younger reader. It explains the celebration of Kwanzaa and features some interesting videos.
Many of your parents and grandparents may not remember Kwanzaa from the time when they were kids because Kwanzaa did not come about until 1966 and it has taken time to become well known. Kwanzaa is not a substitute for Christmas! It is celebrated for seven days starting the day after Christmas, December 26 until January 1st.
Kwanzaa is not an African celebration. It was started in America, but it is based on principals and customs. While it appeals to African Americans, it can be celebrated by all. Today Kwanzaa is celebrated in many countries around the world. Kwanzaa is not only for Blacks as it focuses on 7 principals that can serve as a guide for life all year long.
Kwanzaa is not a commercial holiday; the focus is on education and gifts made by the person. The love that went into the present is the most important thing.
The focus is on the future and the children. Many of the words used in the Kwanzaa celebration are from the Swahili language, which is strange to us, so the first set of videos talk about how to pronounce the words and the meaning of them.
Since one of the focuses of Kwanzaa is education, you will also find a variety of books for the younger reader. These gifts have the great potential of igniting the desire to read and therefore learn that will spell success for so many. The joy of learning is a lifelong of pleasure and knowledge. It is one of the most valuable gifts you can give another.
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To learn how to pronounce Kwanzaa
Learn how to pronounce the word ‘Kwanzaa’ with Unstammer’s free pronunciation tutorials. Also read the meaning(s) and usage of Kwanzaa
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Children’s Books
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I Am Enough
A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
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Comics and Graphic Novels
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How to pronounce Umoja Learn how to say Umoja with Learn it with Radhika.
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God Made You YOU, you…
God thinks about you. God was thinking of you long before your debut. From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
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2nd Day, December 27, 2020 Sunday
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination):
To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves. How do you pronounce Kujichagulia? The Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia focuses on self-identity and self-determination. Learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in this free holiday celebration video from an authority on African American culture.
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Books – Science and Math
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Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison)
This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.
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3rd Day, December 28, 2019 Monday
Kwanzaa Traditions & Customs : Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Ujima The Kwanzaa principle of Ujima focuses on keeping communities together with collective work and responsibility. Learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in this free holiday celebration video from an authority on African American culture.
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Black Women in Science:
A Black History Book for Kids Learn about amazing Black women in science―15 fascinating biographies for kids 9 to 12 Throughout history, Black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds. Black Women in Science stands out amongst other Black history books for kids―featuring 15 powerful stories of fearless female scientists that advanced their STEM fields and fought to build a legacy. Through the triumphs of these amazing women, you’ll find remarkable role models.
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Puzzles
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4th Day, December 29, 2020 Tuesday
Ujamaa | Kwanzaa Day 4 | Cooperative ECONOMICS | 29th Day of Vlogmas
This is my FAVORITE Kwanzaa principle! Cooperative economics. Help me help you, and you help me in return. IMHO this is what “let’s go, lets grow!” really means. As I build my business and become self-sustainable, let me reach out to YOU as you are growing yours and let’s share the value, we each have to help each other become more valuable to our customers and clients. Making money. Working together. Partnerships. Sponsorship. What does UJAMAA mean to you!
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Learning Toys – Games and Education
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Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
Author-illustrator Vashti Harrison shines a bold, joyous light on black men through history in this #1 New York Times bestseller. An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince. The legends in Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History span centuries and continents, but each one has blazed a trail for generations to come.
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Software
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5th Day, December 30, 2020 Wednesday
What is Kwanzaa? How is Kwanzaa Celebrated?
Learn about Kwanzaa for Kids in this fun holiday video Clarendon Learning If you have ever asked “What is Kwanzaa?” or “How is Kwanzaa Celebrated?” then this is the video for you!
In this video about Kwanzaa for kids we explore the celebrations and traditions of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is a wonderful holiday celebration that starts on December 26th and runs to January 1st. Throughout the video we look at and explain the 7 symbols of Kwanzaa, which are:
1. Kikombe Cha Umoja – The unity cup.
2. Kinara – The candle holder that holds 7 candles.
3. Mazao – Fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
4. Mishumaa Saba – the seven candles of kwanzaa.
5. Mkeka – a Place Mat
6. Vibunzi – an Ear of Corn
7. Zawadi – gifts given on January 1st.
Watch the video to learn the actions that are associated with each of the symbols. We also teach about and explain the 7 principles of Kwanzaa which are:
1. Umoja (oo-MOH-ja) which means Unity Building.
2. Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chagoo- LEE-yah) which means Self-determination.
3. Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) which means Collective work and responsibility.
4. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) which means Cooperative economics.
5. Nia (nee-AH) which means Sense of purpose.
6. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) which means Creativity.
7. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) which means Faith
Together, the tradition of the seven symbols and seven principles of Kwanzaa are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans. From the first day of the celebration on December 26th when the black candle in the center of the Kinara is lit to the final day of the celebration on January 1st when the final candle is lit, millions of people every year will be celebrating Kwanzaa, a special week honoring the values or African cultures and inspiring African Americans throughout the United States
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Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)
A NEW YORK TIMES INSTANT BESTSELLER! A USA TODAY BESTSELLER! This beautifully illustrated New York Times bestseller introduces readers of all ages to 40 women who changed the world. An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.
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6th Day, December 31, 2020 Thursday
Kwanzaa Traditions & Customs :
Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Kuumba The Kwanzaa principle of Kuumba focuses on creativity. Learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in this free holiday celebration video from an authority on African American culture.
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100 African Americans Who Shaped American History (100 Series)
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Health and Household
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7th Day, January 1, 2021 Friday
Kwanzaa Traditions & Customs :
Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Imani The Kwanzaa principle of Imani focuses on faith and righteousness. Learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in this free holiday celebration video from an authority on African American culture.
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Personal Care Products
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Dad, Who Will I Be?
Dad, Who Will I Be? is written by G. Todd Taylor, a former educator and child mental health expert with over 20 years of experience. This book inspires, encourages and educates young readers to be great by introducing to them heroes of color from a number of different professions on an elementary level. Some real-life heroes in the book include Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammed Ali, Mansa Musa, Guion Bluford and Garrett Morgan, W.E.B. Dubois, Tiger Woods and many more. Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu says “This is a fantastic book for children! Children need to have goals and a purpose in life. They need to have their career range expanded. Children need to hear it from their fathers. Garrett truly needs to be commended.”
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Cell Phones and Accessories
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Kwanzaa Libations
Part of the series: Kwanzaa Traditions & Customs. Kwanzaa ritual drinks or libations are shared among participants. Learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in this free holiday celebration video from an authority on African American culture.
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Computers – Tablets and Components
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Kwanzaa Traditions & Customs : Kwanzaa Gifts and Feast Celebration Gifts are exchanged on last day of Kwanzaa. Learn about Kwanzaa in this free holiday celebration video from an authority on African American culture.
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Kwanzaa for Kids Video What is Kwanzaa?
Check out this Kwanzaa for Kids Cartoon (Educational Videos) Frankie is excited about a local Kwanzaa celebration. Watch this cartoon for kids as he talks with his friend Lee, about this African American and Pan-African celebration and questions like is it an African Christmas, where did Kwanzaa come from and more in this educational for students.
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Kindle
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Kevin’s Kwanzaa | Children’s Books Read Aloud
Kevin’s Kwanzaa (Cloverleaf Books: Fall and Winter Holidays) by Lisa Bullard (Author), Constanza Basaluzzo (Illustrator) Kevin’s family is celebrating the seven days of Kwanzaa! They light candles and learn a special word each day. They talk about working together. On the sixth day, everyone dances at a big feast! Find out the different ways people celebrate this holiday.
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One Love (Music Books for Children, African American Baby Books, Bob Marley Book for Kids)
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An International Celebration What is Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Diwali? | Nina’s World | Universal Kids
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Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Use of this resource is limited to the education of individuals with disabilities. User must own or have a copy of the text in their possession. Users agree not to copy, distribute, share the link, or otherwise reproduce this resource or the original work as doing so may constitute copyright infringement. ASL accessible version created by the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf.
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Together for Kwanzaa | Children’s Books Read Aloud
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ABC I Love Me
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Politics and Social Sciences
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Sesame Street: Kwanzaa
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Brown Boy Brown Boy What Can You Be?
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Kwanzaa is an African-inspired holiday | CBC Kids News
Did you know that African Canadians celebrate Kwanzaa every year, starting on Dec. 26? For seven days, they get together with their families, eat African food, dance, drum, and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Even though the holiday is based on African traditions and culture, it’s not celebrated in Africa. It was invented by an American man from Kenya in the 1960s. In Halifax, CBC Kids News contributor Eve Wedderburn met some members of the African community there and learned all about it.
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Top 5 Essential Kwanzaa Facts
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Young Gifted and Black:
Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and Present “…to be revisited again and again…The candy-colored pages and straightforward stories are hard to resist…” –The New York Times “…diverse collection of iconic figures…vibrantly illustrated…beautifully crafted volume…” –Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review “…exuberant…exquisitely designed…a launching point for more discoveries.” –School Library Journal, Starred Review “A luminous and diverse tribute to black movers and shakers across the centuries.” –Publishers Weekly Meet 52 icons of color from the past and present in this celebration of inspirational achievement—a collection of stories about changemakers to encourage, inspire, and empower the next generation of changemakers. Jamia Wilson has carefully curated this range of black icons and the book is stylishly brought together by Andrea Pippins’ colorful and celebratory illustrations.
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Happy Kwanzaa
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