Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1rst and is an annual celebration of African American culture, and was created by activist Maulana Karenga in 1966, a Professor of black studies at California State University at Long Beach after the 1965 Watts riots in Los Angeles left many people dead and injured. Professor Karenga looked for a way to unite the black community and reinforce family and community values found in the African culture. This year For Kwanzaa 2025 (Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026), the overarching theme, set by founder Dr. Maulana Karenga, is "Practicing the Seven Principles in Dimly-Lit Times: Lifting Up the Light, Hurrying the Dawn," . If you want to hear a speaker -the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture is offering a free virtual event online on Sunday December 28th, the third day of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa’s third day celebrates Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), the practice of lifting one another through shared work and shared purpose. This year, Brooklyn Ethical welcomes Dr. Myrah Brown Green, a renowned scholar, artist, and cultural preservationist, to guide us through the deeper meaning of this principle. Her insights into African diasporic traditions invite us to reflect on how Ujima shows up in our families, communities, and collective history. To register go to https://bsec.org/events/kwanzaa-2025/ I hope you have a Happy and Peaceful New Year.
