People greet each other on each of the seven days of Kwanzaa with “habari gani,” the Swahili way to ask “What is the news?”  The expected response is the principle of the day (for example, “Umoja” on the first day).

My family and I have been celebrating Kwanzaa since 2020.  We reestablished this tradition because we were looking to create something special for our family.  Kwanzaa is an American holiday inspired by African traditions, developed in 1966 by an American educator, Maulana Karenga.

The holiday encourages African American people to learn and honor African history and customs.  The seven-day festival is observed Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, as a time to stop and remember the past as we work together for the future.

Kwanzaa to my family and friends is a personal celebration but over the years it has been maturing as I study more, collect the symbols and establish personal family traditions about Kwanzaa. One Kwanzaa tradition I am proud of is knowledge sharing.  If we want a better life and a better world, that path requires love, light and education.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education,” as Martin Luther King Jr. said.

I reread the stories of celebration and history of Kwanzaa annually. My go-to book is “A Kwanzaa Keepsake, Celebrating The Holiday With New Traditions and Feasts” by Jessica B Harris, but there are a number of books written about Kwanzaa. I urge you to pick up any book and increase your awareness and knowledge. As I light my candles in the specific order, this year I am adding personal reflections/suggestions on how I can incorporate the principles as a lifestyle.

The seven principles at the heart of Kwanzaa, “nguzo saba” (en-goo-zo sah-buh), are used as a day-by-day guide to celebration and reflection.

Dec. 26: Umoja / unity — People who work, live and build a future together create better communities. Note of reflection: Spend time with my family and community to discuss and build upon what it has taught me. Light black candle.

Dec. 27: Kujichagulia / self-determination — People must define, name, create and speak for themselves, with pride. Note of reflection: I am proud of myself and community this year, create a space I am proud to call home. Light red candle.

Dec. 28: Ujima / collective work and responsibility — Take responsibility for the problems of those around us, and help each other solve those problems. Note of reflection: I was able to solve or create an opportunity in my community. Light green candle.

Dec. 29: Ujamaa / cooperative economics — Buy “small,” support the community with my talents and money. Note of reflection: I buy small when given the opportunity. I know and patronize African American small businesses in my community.  Light second red candle.

Dec. 30: Nia / purpose — Knowing my why is impactful. Note of reflection: My time, talent and resources are purposely used within the community. I will seek opportunities to use my personal talents. Light second green candle.

Dec. 31: Kuumba / creativity — Identify new ways to impact family and community to be more beautiful and beneficial. Note of reflection: I look for opportunities of beauty and to beautify my community. Light third red candle.

Jan. 1: Imani / faith — Believe that the best is yet to come for ourselves, parents, teachers, leaders and there is victory in our future. Note of reflection: I believe the community can be great. Light third green candle.

If you do a Google search, you will find many communities have public events, and you may wonder where are these events for the Lehigh Valley.  I get asked this question as well. When I spoke with a fellow business owner, I expressed that Kwanzaa is a lifestyle, not a one-week-long celebration.  I suggested we spend our resources creating and increasing overall awareness of Black businesses in the Lehigh Valley.  I pondered if the average person could even name a Black business?  I hope so!

So Kwanzaa 2023 for me, my family and friends is about awareness.  Awareness of who I am, who I am to my community and who I can support in the community.

Jevata Crawford is the founder of Project MOVE in Macungie.