Attending My First Kwanzaa Celebration

This year, I had the privilege of attending my first Kwanzaa celebration. I had heard of Kwanzaa before, but this was my first time experiencing it in a personal, meaningful way. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew this would be a celebration filled with culture, community, and connection.

For those unfamiliar, Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage and culture. It begins on December 26 and ends on January 1, with each day representing one of the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, which serve as a guide to living a life that uplifts and celebrates the strength of the African diaspora. 

The principles:

1. Umoja (Unity)
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
5. Nia (Purpose)
6. Kuumba (Creativity)
7. Imani (Faith)

The atmosphere of the celebration was warm and welcoming. It was a small gathering—just a handful of friends and our children, each bringing their own energy and excitement to the table. The room was beautifully adorned with symbols of Kwanzaa—bright red, black, and green decorations that represented the Pan-African colors. A central Kwanzaa table, covered in a cloth of these colors, held the Kinara, a candle holder with seven candles, each one representing a different principle.

As we gathered around the table, it was clear that this was not just a celebration of the holiday but a reflection on the deeper meaning behind it. The candle lighting ceremony, which is a key part of Kwanzaa, was moving and filled with intention. We lit one candle for each principle, and as we did, one of the children shared the principle was and its meaning.  Attending my first Kwanzaa celebration wasn’t just an event—it was an experience that left me feeling connected to a larger tradition and culture. It reminded me of the power of gathering with others to celebrate life’s blessings and reflect on how we can contribute to a brighter future for ourselves and our communities. As the evening came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful. Kwanzaa is about more than just the celebration; it’s about fostering a sense of unity, purpose, and creativity in our everyday lives. It’s about remembering the importance of community and recognizing the strength we find in one another.

Lastly, thank you for my girl, Afrisa, for the invitation. Going in, I only knew Afrisa, Kim, and Jasmine, but instantly connected with the other woman there. We enjoyed hours upon hours of good food, laughs, learning, and connection. It's been a long time since I have laughed till it literally hurt. That is one of the best feelings in the world. As a woman, it's hard making friends the older you get, but when it's meant to be, it's one of the easiest things to do. We discussed how we as women tend to forget ourselves in the many roles we hold and the hats we wear. We came up with "More Than Moms", a way for us to put the focus back on us as individuals before life became about filling everyone else's cup while ours stayed empty. So, thank you again Afrisa for allowing me the opportunity to join your circle and feel at home instantly. 

I think this is why having girlfriends is so crucial for having a long and fulfilling life. It is my girlfriends who have taken care of me, loved me, and cheered for me, more than any man has in my life. Having girlfriends, or close female friends, can be incredibly important for personal well-being, emotional support, and overall happiness. These friendships offer unique benefits that contribute to mental, emotional, and even physical health. 

As we left the celebration, I carried with me the spirit of Kwanzaa: a renewed sense of purpose, creativity, and, above all, unity. It was a beautiful experience that I will cherish, and one I hope to carry forward into every year.

Until next time...

Sharon