Black People Learn About Kwanzaa

“You’re black, right? What is Kwanzaa?!”

We asked our black coworkers if they know about Kwanzaa. Turns out, they don't.

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"Y'all are black, right? What's Kwanzaa?"

Some people couldn't help but laugh at the question.

Most of those asked felt embarrassed that they didn't know.

Some folks had even celebrated it before, but were still clueless!

So is it like Christmas or Hanukkah?!

Or is it totally made up?

So, here's the scoop: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration.

On each day you celebrate a new principle, but not before you wake up and say "Habari Gani," which means "what's up?" or "what's the news?"

The first day is all about Umoja, or unity. The second day you celebrate Kujichagulia, self determination. Day three is Ujima, which means collective work or responsibility. The fourth day is Ujamaa, cooperative economics. The fifth day is Nia, or purpose. The sixth day is Kuumba, which means creativity. And the seventh day is Imani, or faith.

Each day you also light a candle on the Kinara. The red stands for the struggle, the black for the people, and the green for the future.

The unity cup is passed around to all the family members, and the last sip is saved for ancestors who have passed away.

IT'S LIT!