Happy Kwanzaa - Kuumba (Creativity)

On this sixth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kuumba(Creativity). To do as much as we can, in whatever way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than it was when we inherited it.

I struggle with life's social injustices and sufferings. I often think "what can I do to make things that little bit better." The fact is with a little bit of creativity we can all do our bit to make a difference to someone's life, whether at work or in our personal lives.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Nia (Purpose)

On this fifth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Nia(Purpose). To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community; to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

I believe we all have a purpose in life. I believe the purpose of Kwanzaa is to make us think, not only about ourselves and our family but also about the community. To think about who we are, where we are and what the future holds. I will never be rich, not in the financial sense of the word but I do feel I am so much richer through my connection with my family, friends and the great many people I have met along the way. I will continue to strive to be the best I can be whilst promoting cultural awareness and practices within the community.

Happy kwanzaa - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

On this fourth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics. Let us strengthen our resolve to build and maintain our own shops, stores and other business and to profit from them together.

We believe in the life-affirming necessity of work. But, this should be a place where you can culminate economic practices that demonstrate dignity, respect, fairness, balance, harmony and an opportunity for individuals to grow together.

Happy Kwanzaa - Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)

On this third day of Kwanzaa we celebrate the principle Ujima (collective work and responsibility). To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and solve them together.

I can remember when I first came to this country as a little girl, families and friends used to help each other move house, look after each other's children, cook, wash and clean the home if you were ill. Friends and family would rally around and make sure you were looked after. To me this was the spirit of Ujima.

Somehow as a community we have lost this community bond and now we (if you are lucky) make do with a phone call, a text or an e-mail.

Today I will take basic steps to re-connect with family, friends and others so we can start again to build a caring community.

In Celebration of Kwanzaa - Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

On this second day of Kwanzaa, the principle Kujichagulia (Self-determination) is celebrated. This is my favourite principle in the Nguzo Saba. I love the word and it's pronounciation (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah). You need determination just to pronounce it correctly! Most of all, I love it's meaning as it reflects what I strive to achieve and be.

Kujichagulia to me, means not being afraid to stand for what I believe in. Being true to myself and to others. Define for myself, speak for myself and caring for myself in order to care for others.

Today I will think about what I want from my life, for my family and for the community and strive to make it happen.

Today I will continue to share my culture and spirituality with others through my love of African art.

Happy Kwanzaa

Happy Kwanzaa - Umoja (Unity)

The season of Kwanzaa is here once again. Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate it.

Kwanzaa is a African-centred 7-day celebration which was developed by Dr Maulana Karenga in 1966. The aim of Kwanzaa is to reconnect Africans throughout the diaspora to their culture and reinforce the importance of family, community and unity. Kwanzaa is celebrated from 26 December to 1 January and is derived from an East African phrase in Swahili meaning 'the first fruits': matunde y kwanza.

There are seven basic and meaningful principles which are linked to Kwanzaa called the Nguzo Saba - Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates one of the guiding principles. These seven principles should be practiced throughout the year.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the African diaspora. However, it is much more popular in America than it is in Europe but it is catching on here.

The traditional way of celebrating Kwanzaa is by decorating a table with the following seven basic symbols - the first one being Mkeka (a mat) which represents African history and the foundation we need to build. The following six symbols are placed on the Mkeka or next to it; Mazao (the crops) which represents African harvest celebrations and plentiful fruits and vegetables; Kinara (a candle holder) which is symbolic of African ancestors; Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) which represents the seven principles which we should strive to live by; Muhindi (ears of corn) symbolises our children; Kikombe cha umoja (the unity cup) symbolic of the principle and practice of unity and Zawadi (gifts) these are normally hand-made.

In addition to the symbols don't forget to include African art in your decoration.

There is currently a debate going on about Kwanzaa and it's meaning and whether we should be celebrating at this time of year or not. Our answer to that is we all have choices, if it is something that you feel you can buy into and celebrate go ahead, if not leave it well alone. Simple.

These principles are ones that can apply to all our everyday lives. Today is the principle Umoja which means to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Today I am grateful for the relationships that I have with my family and friends. But, I am also very grateful for the many wonderful people that I have come into contact with over time. Today I am responsible for all those I have met and all those I am still to meet.

Happy Kwanzaa.