Habari Gani! Umoja! We always start off with the greeting of Habari Gani, which means (What’s up? What’s the word? What’s the news?) Today, we begin with UMOJA!

Today is the first day of Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga in 1966, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them. This year, we celebrate the 51 year anniversary of these Principles.