Queer Kwanzaa Celebration

Hosted by Brother Saalik Cuevas with drumming by Kiowa. Learn, celebrate and participate as we light candles and honor the Nguzo Saba, which are the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa followed by a taste of the tradition with foods served in the Karamu feast. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja: Unity; Kujichagulia: Self Determination; Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics; Nia: Purpose; Kuumba: Creativity; and Imani: Faith.

Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, the Nguzo Saba stands at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them.