It is my favorite time of year again, Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa is a time for us to join together and reflect on the principles that we as a community share to build our collective unity. It is a time to honor our ancestors as well as the contributions and sacrifices that they made.
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So what exactly is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is an African-American annual celebration from December 26 – January. The name comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” Kwanzaa is a relatively young holiday, that was created in 1966 but started becoming popular in the late 1980s and early ’90s. Kwanzaa is defined by Nguzo Saba, the seven principles. On each day of Kwanzaa, a new candle is lit on the kinara and represents each of the 7 days. Kwanzaa also incorporates symbolism, such as the mat (mkeka), which is the foundation for self-actualization. The candle holder (Kinara) reminds us of Mother Africa and our ancestral origins there. Corn (muhindi) represents children and the collective hope that we have in the future generation. The Unity Cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) is used to pour libations to the ancestors. Lastly, the seven candles (mishmaa saba) that remind us of the seven principles and are the colors in the Pan-African flag: Red, Black, and Green. The Black candle represents the African people, the red symbolizes their struggles, and the green represents the hope for our future.
What are the 7 Kwanzaa Principles?
Umoja: Unity – To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Kujichagulia: Self-Determination – To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
Ujima: Collective work and responsibility – To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics – To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Nia: Purpose – To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba: Creativity – To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani: Faith – To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
What about Kwanzaa gifts?
Gifts (Zawadi) traditionally stood for the commitments between parents and their children. However, over the years, a lot of people have expanded the sentiments of Zawadi to be intentional about buying from Black-owned businesses. It is important to remember that Kwanzaa does not focus on gift-giving, it is not a second Christmas. Gifts are meant to be intentional and are often educational for children or meaningful tokens. Often gifts are homemade rather than purchased, but if you are looking for gifts for Kwanzaa you are in the right place! I have gathered a list of some of my favorite Black-owned businesses. This list will be updated throughout the year, so make sure to check it out when thinking about buying a gift for someone!
Kwanzaa Gift Ideas for Adults
Africa Trays – Kulture Kreations by Keyz |
$40
Keyz is creating Art for the Kulture and I am absolutely in LOVE with her Africa Trays! Kulture Kreations works with an epoxy resin and a rainbow of mica colors to create these one-of-a-kind trays! I worked with Keyz to create a custom Africa Trinket Tray at it is beautiful! She was able to take a single photo of a mosaic design and turned it into the perfect statement piece for my office! She also makes beautiful resin coasters and a hands-free key for pushing buttons and opening doors during these uncertain times! Be sure to check her out.
HBCU Gear – HBCU Culture Shop |
$45.00 $35.00
If you didn’t know, I am a FAMU (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) Alum and if you’ve ever met a Rattler then you will know that we rep our alma mater HARD! Even as a minimalist, I can say that about 25% of my wardrobe is FAMU related. So when I came across HBCU Culture Shop and saw their dope HBCU gear, I knew I had to scoop some up. Their FAMU Forever Sweatshirt is nothing like I had ever seen before, and when I got in person it was so soft and thick. Perfect for those chilly Homecoming games! Don’t worry other HBCU fam, they also carry other HBCU gear.
Art – Rae Akino | Visual Artist
Prints start at $40.00
Rae Akino’s work is the kind that will stop you in your tracks and take your breath away. Their work centers on Afrocentrism, identity, sexuality, spirituality, and mental health. What I love about their work is that they are all conversation pieces and they have a way of capturing really intense emotions. As an Alvin Ailey fan, naturally, I had to have their A. Ailey Tribute piece. I love it because it is powerful, but the lower portion conveys (to me) that Alvin Ailey’s legacy and work in unfinished and that there is so much still to share/create. Y’all don’t judge my artistic interpretations lol. Make sure to follow Rae’s IG page to see some behind the scenes content. Personally, I use it to window shop for future pieces! They recently created this gorgeous piece with a little girl and sunflowers that is just divine!
Custom Waist Beads – Nykieria Chaney
Custom Waist Beads start at $22.99
Waist Beads were traditionally worn by African women, under their clothes and can have several different meanings. Many African women still wear them today for protection from negative energy, they are also associated with healing properties. More recently, people women across the diaspora have utilized waist beads for not only protection, but sensuality, and to even track weight loss/gain. Nykieria’s Custom Waist Beads are made to order and she has many different combinations. I ordered the Aventurine and Citrine Waist Beads for confidence, wealth, abundance, and joy.
Sage – Smudged Life
Sage Sticks starting at $5.00
Look with a name like the Bougie Buddha and the Ratchet Lunar Report, you already know I am hooked! If you are lucky enough to live close to Tampa, you are should absolutely do yourself a favor and visit their Meditative Ybor space. Camille (the Bougie Buddha) offers healing services like Reiki, classes, and even Doula services! But if you are like me and are no longer in Florida, never fear, you can still get your healing on through the Smudged Life Shop! They carry Palo Santo, Sage bundles (in a bunch of different varieties), Florida water, jewelry, and so much more! If you are new to the Smudged Life, they offer a DOPE starter kit that includes everything you need to get your mindfulness on. Also, check out the Smudged Life on IG for their Ratchet Lunar reports!
Kwanzaa Gifts: Books for Children
Together for Kwanzaa
“Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.”
Lil’ Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
“The story of Li’l Rabbit captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa—coming together to help others. Donna L. Washington’s story, with art from Shane W. Evans (Chocolate Me!), provides a fun introduction to the holiday.”
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
“In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or “seven principles” of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community.”
My First Kwanzaa
“During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!”
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The ABCs of HBCUs – HBCU Prep School
$19.99
“The first ABC board book dedicated to HBCUs, children quickly recognize that “A” isn’t always for “apple.” From FAMU to Howard, the Divine Nine to Battle of the Bands, children learn about the love, lifestyles, and legacies that built these incredible institutions.”
The Traveling Child Goes to Rio Di Janeiro – Monet Hambrick
“The Traveling Child Goes to Rio Di Janerio is based on two traveling sisters Jordyn and Kennedy. This book in the series highlights the activities they did in Brazil which will educate your child on the city or country as well as give you ideas for a vacation you may be planning to that destination”
Captain Carson Goes to Bali – TeAndra Taylor and Carson Taylor
$12.00
“Captain Carson Goes to Bali is the first book of the “Captain Carson” series. This book takes you on a journey, as well as introduces you to all the experiences that Carson had during his trip to Bali, Indonesia.”
The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete – Serena Minott
$17.99
“The Amazing Adventures of Aya & Pete tell the stories of a little girl named Aya, who travels the world with her parents and her buddy, Pete. Whether they are trying croque-monsieur sandwiches in Paris or exploring Mayan ruins in Mexico, Aya and Pete are always ready for the adventure and excitement of exploring a new place.”
Hair Love – Matthew A. Cherry
$6.90
“It’s up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hairstyle in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.”
Little Leaders: Bold Women and Bold Men in Black History Series
$44.99
“Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women & men in American history. Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women & men who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the people profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.”
Kwanzaa Gifts: Books for Adults
Beautifully Black: Afrocentric Coloring Book for Adults by Nykieria Chaney
$14.99 $7.99
I loved this Afrocentric coloring book so much that I bought some for friends! There is something to be said about the importance of seeing yourself in a coloring book. I remember as a kid having to color pictures that were clearly not made to look like me. Nykieria’s coloring book not only helps me see myself but for me, coloring is also the perfect stress reliever! “Representation is everything and this Beautifully Black Afrocentric Adult Coloring Book is dripping in melanin. Over 45 unique images. Single-sided pages with one high-resolution image printed on each sheet.
Fertile Ground: 125 poems of Love, Elevation & Reflection by Nykieria Chaney
$14.99 $9.99
“A book of love found and lost. Heartache and heartbreak. Dream chasing and disappointments. Ambition and resolve. Grandmother tales and life lessons. Tributes to those gone too soon and inspiration for those tired of trying to see through. The poems offer a unified conversation to women of all backgrounds, nationalities, and orientations. To truly understand, take your own journey through Fertile Ground.”
Rioting at Dawn by Royce Hall
$20.00
“Rioting At Dawn is a revolutionary, vulnerable account of cultural, historical, sociopolitical, and personal experiences, poetically delivered by artist and Visionary Royce Hall. Its intent is to raise eyebrows and fists, and to open minds and hearts. It is also relentless as it unapologetically projects the testimonies of what happens when words are your outlet of release for pain and pleasure. Rioting At Dawn is designed to engage, empower and enchant- out of the darkness and into daybreak.”
After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self Love – by Alex Elle
$17.96
One of my absolute favorite books on my bookshelf currently! In After the Rain, Alexandra Elle delivers 15 lessons on how to overcome obstacles, build confidence, and cultivate abundance. It is a combination of memoir and guide, where she shares her own journey from self-doubt to self-love! It is an easy read that can be digested in spurts for those of us with hectic lives.
Kwanzaa Gift Ideas: Services
Astro-Numerology – Nichole’s Cosmic Cove
When I first learned about Astro-Numerology I was skeptical to say the least, but I knew Nichole personally and I trusted her spirit. I am so glad that I was able to be introduced to Astro-Numerology through her because whew chile it is mind-blowing! It is crazy how numbers can mean so much. I used to just think about 11:11, but there are life path numbers, maturity numbers, karmic lessons, challenges, and so much more that you can learn from a Numerology Report! Nichole offers Full readings, but she is also able to provide personal year and month reports, as well as Tarot and compatibility readings! Be sure to check her out on YT and IG for all things numerology as well!
