f you’re reading this, you probably don’t celebrate Kwanzaa. We know this to be true because according to The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research only 3% of Americans celebrate the holiday. Now the reasons why people don’t celebrate it are vast and varied, for sure. Nevertheless, after you read this, you may want to reconsider your stance.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong cultural celebration that honors African heritage, unity, and community. It was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist, during a time of social upheaval and racial tension in the United States. The holiday was created to help African Americans reconnect with their ancestral roots and affirm their identity through shared cultural values. Drawing inspiration from traditional African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa takes its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.” Celebrated annually from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday but a cultural one. It was designed to strengthen bonds within families and communities, while emphasizing reflection, creativity, and purpose.

Each of Kwanzaa’s seven days highlights one of the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, which represent key values for building strong, vibrant communities.

The holidays are a perfect time to be a catalyst for community and connection.

Instead of waiting for the week of Kwanzaa or a different version of Kwanzaa to be realized, you can take action today. Below are listed the seven attributes of Kwanzaa. How can you, in your community, utilize these words to begin a cultural transformation in your area?

UMOJA (Unity): What does unity look, sound, and feel like for you? How do you make that a reality for your family, group, or community?

KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination): Take a look into the future; in 30 years what qualities would you like to say your family, group, community possessed? What words would give insight to who you are or who you would like to be?

UJIMA (Collective Work and Responsibility): What projects or goals can we work on together this year? How can we support the vision or dreams of those in this family, community, or network?

UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics): Create a survey and ask what are the top things you would like to know about money, finance, or business. Take that list and read a book, take a class or seek out a mentor. In what ways could you do things together financially with knowledge that you now do alone? What business skills can be identified as gaps? What action needs to be taken? What could we learn together about finance, starting a business, buying a house, etc.?

NIA (Purpose): Who in the community is a person that was/is respected? How can that person’s memory and legacy be replicated in the community? Who needs to learn about that person? How do we honor that memory?

KUUMBA (Creativity): Identify four places in the community that are special to you, your family, or others. These locations may include schools, churches, or parks. What areas of the community could be beautified through work days or volunteer events? What media messages can be created to support the identity of the community’s history and culture? How might we create a space for people to share their talents without feeling the need to take away cultural identity?

IMANI (Faith): Who can be identified as both deceased and living examples of victory through struggle? What qualities did they possess? How can their memories be honored? What are the gifts to be passed on to the next generation? What tangible reminder should be given as a gift as inspiration for challenging days ahead?