KWANZAA VALUES & PRINCIPLES IN DAILY LIVING

There is no way to understand and appreciate the meaning and message of Kwanzaa
without understanding and appreciating its profound and pervasive concern with
values. In fact. Kwanzaa's reason for existence, its length of seven days, its core focus
and its foundation are all rooted in its concern with values. Kwanzaa inherits this
value concern and focus from Kawaida, the African philosophical framework in
which it was created. Kawaida philosophy is a communitarian African philosophy
which is an ongoing synthesis of the best of African thought and practice in constant
exchange with the world.

The Nguzo Saba
(The Seven Principles)
Dr. Maulana Karenga

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Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African
culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture
among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African
community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the
Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the
origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building
blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them.