Nguzo Saba: The Seven Days of Kwanzaa2019 Digital Print SeriesHonestly, I don’t know shit abou

Nguzo Saba: The Seven Days of Kwanzaa
2019 Digital Print Series

Honestly, I don’t know shit about this holiday even though I am African-American but it deserves recognition.

“Nguzo Saba” is a Swahili term for the seven principles that define Kwanzaa and its aspirations for the African-American community. The holiday is not religious and was created in the 1960′s with the intention to promote Pan-Africanism during a tumultuous time of racial tension in America.

Each day from December 26th to first day of the New Year represents a principle. Similar to the menorah on Hanukkah, a “kinara” holds seven candles for each day of the celebration and are lighted.

The principles and their terms are as follows in the order of each portrait:

Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsiblity), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith) 

Happy Holidays and I look forward to 2020! Thank you.