I celebrated Kwanzaa growing up from the late 1970s - 2015 with strong values in empathy, compassion, faith, affection, loyalty, commitment, trust, passion, respect, honor, resilience, and determination. “Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African and African-American culture that takes place from December 26 to January 1: Purpose Kwanzaa's purpose is to: Celebrate African-American history, values, family, community, and culture Reaffirm traditional communal values of African culture Foster a sense of unity between Africans and people of African descent Origin Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, rapist, an activist and professor of Africana Studies. Name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits." Principles Kwanzaa's seven guiding principles are: Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa (Coope...