Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc.

Happy Kwanzaa! Today marks the beginning of a beautiful seven-day celebration of community, culture, and African heritage. To help our community celebrate with intention, we’ve put together a quick guide to the heart of Kwanzaa.

​🕯️ WHAT IS KWANZAA?
​Established in 1966, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday (not a religious one) that honors African harvest festival traditions. The name comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits."

​THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES (Nguzo Saba)
​Each day, a new candle is lit on the Kinara to represent one of these core values:
👉🏾​ Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
👉🏾​ ​Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define, name, create, and speak for ourselves.
👉🏾​ ​Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together.
👉🏾​ ​Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores and businesses.
👉🏾​ ​Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community.
👉🏾​ ​Kuumba (Creativity): To leave our community more beautiful than we inherited it.
👉🏾​ ​Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness of our struggle.

THE COLORS OF THE CELEBRATION
​You’ll notice the Kinara holds three red candles, three green candles, and one black candle in the center.
​🖤 Black: For the people.
♥️​ Red: For the noble blood that unites us and the struggle for freedom.
💚​ Green: For the rich land of Africa and the hope for the future.

​As we reflect on these principles over the next week, we encourage you to think about how you can incorporate Umoja and Kuumba into your daily life.

​Habari Gani? (What is the news?)
Wishing you a season of light, reflection, and joy.

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Happy Hanukkah! We wish you and your loved ones a Festival of Lights filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite traditions! May the light of the menorah brighten your days and warm your heart. 🕎✨