Article image

Quotes That Embody the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa

On December 26, 1966, Maulana Karenga, a professor of Pan-African studies at California State University at Long Beach, held the very first Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa, named after the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits,” is a seven-day celebration of African traditions as well as family and community values. Incorporating aspects of Ashanti and Zulu harvest festivals, Kwanzaa celebrates the Nguzo Saba (Swahili for “Seven Principles”) of umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).

Each day during Kwanzaa, participants reflect on these principles and light one candle on a kinara, a type of seven-branched candelabra. The black candle in the middle represents umoja, and the three green and red candles represent the other principles. The colors are also significant: Black represents the people, red signifies the struggle, and green stands for the future. On the first night of Kwanzaa, the black center candle is lit, and during the following days, the candles closest to umoja are lit by alternating left to right.

Although Kwanzaa is a newcomer compared to the ancient traditions at the heart of Hanukkah and Christmas, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world celebrate the holiday. These seven quotes from prominent Black voices get to the heart of Kwanzaa’s seven principles, and offer valuable wisdom for all people.

Umoja (Unity)

We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.
Gwendolyn Brooks

Share Quote

Umoja represents various levels of togetherness, in the home, community, and also as a race of people at large.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Maya Angelou

Share Quote

Kujichagulia is the power to define oneself and also to speak for oneself, whether socially or politically.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.
Langston Hughes

Share Quote

Ujima urges people to solve problems from the perspective of community rather than individual desire.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.
Nelson Mandela

Share Quote

Ujamaa takes the community of Kwanzaa and channels it for economic means, by advocating for the establishment — and patronage — of Black-owned businesses.

Nia (Purpose)

If you have a purpose in which you can believe, there's no end to the amount of things you can accomplish.
Marian Anderson

Share Quote

Nia stresses the importance of purpose and goal-oriented work for bettering communities around the world.

Kuumba (Creativity)

Some people could look at a mud puddle and see an ocean with ships.
Zora Neale Hurston

Share Quote

This principle focuses on the power of creativity to enrich communities, leaving them in an improved condition compared to how they were inherited.

Imani (Faith)

The moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.
James Baldwin

Share Quote

Imani can speak to a person’s faith in God or in other beliefs, such as family, heritage, and social causes.

Photo credit: Credit: a_lis/ iStock

Author image
About the Author
Darren Orf
Darren lives in Portland, Oregon, has two cats, and writes about science, technology, nature, and history.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Fill in the blank: "___ is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect." - Steve Jobs

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

I found my place when I stopped looking for it.

separator icon
Mahershala Ali
motivation theme icon

In all our searching, the only thing we’ve found that makes the emptiness bearable is each other.

separator icon
Carl Sagan
hope theme icon

In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth.

separator icon
Patti Smith
love theme icon

You have to fail in order to practice being brave.

separator icon
Mary Tyler Moore
wisdom theme icon

You can't learn style. Style, I think, is in your DNA.

separator icon
Iris Apfel
happiness theme icon

One shouldn't just hope to be treated well: one must insist on it.

separator icon
Abraham Verghese
motivation theme icon

The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.

separator icon
Keanu Reeves
hope theme icon

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

separator icon
Eleanor Roosevelt
love theme icon

The earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it.

separator icon
Chief Joseph
wisdom theme icon

The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.

separator icon
Sheryl Sandberg
happiness theme icon

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

separator icon
Ludwig van Beethoven