Today is the first day of Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration running through January 1 that observes seven principles and African traditions. Newsday has information on some events, including the American Museum of Natural History's Kwanzaa Fest! that we mentioned earlier. CityRoom's Sewell Chan writes about Kwanzaa's history in the city and adds, "As a child growing up in Queens, I remember attending Kwanzaa celebrations at the American Museum of Natural History with relatives and friends who, like me, were Chinese-American. The holiday seemed fun and inclusive (and, I admit, a bit exotic), and I eagerly committed to memory the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles, of Kwanzaa: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith)."
Published Dec 26, 2008
Modified Dec 26, 2008
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2023. Donate today
