Kwanzaa: Seven Principles in Action
A candleholder with seven candles can be a starting point for conversations about family, history, and community. During Kwanzaa, some families gather around one to discuss ideas they want to practice throughout the year.
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African cultural celebration. Pan-African means connecting people of African ancestry across different countries and communities. Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa takes place each year from December 26 through January 1. It draws inspiration from African harvest celebrations and honors African heritage.
Kwanzaa is not a religion or a replacement for Christmas. People celebrate it in different ways, and some also celebrate religious holidays. The National Museum of African American History and Culture describes seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, that guide Kwanzaa. Each day is associated with one principle.
Seven ideas for community life
Umoja, or unity, is about working toward togetherness in families and communities. For example, neighbors might gather to share a meal and listen to one another’s stories. Their time together can help strengthen their connections.
Kujichagulia, or self-determination, means having the power to define and make choices for yourself. A family might practice this idea by learning about its history and deciding which stories and traditions to pass along.
- ancestry:
- The family background and ancestors a person comes from.
- heritage:
- Culture and traditions passed down from earlier generations.
- principles:
- Important ideas that guide how people act.
- associated:
- Connected with something.
- benefit:
- To help or improve something.
- inventive:
- Able to think of new and useful ideas.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is the main idea of the article, and which detail supports it?
- 2How does sharing a meal and listening to stories illustrate Umoja?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Kwanzaa: Seven Principles in Action” is a explanatory article reading passage about Kwanzaa, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (507 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.