The “Nguzo Saba,” or Seven Principles, were the center the Southwest Community Center’s Kwanzaa celebration.
In this week’s Photo of the Week, Ellis Dudley Sr. leads a procession of dancers holding the symbols of Kwanzaa, at the Community Center gym in Syracuse on Dec. 31, 2022.
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions across the African diaspora. It’s a seven-day celebration created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies and author of 17 books.
The holiday begins on Dec. 26 and ends on Jan. 1. It was first celebrated in 1966.
The Seven Principles are: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creavity) and imani (faith).
Participants celebrate feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives, candle-lighting, gifts and a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles.
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