Kwanzaa Day 7: Faith
"Imani" means Faith
MARYLAND – Habari Gani? What’s the News?
Imani
Wednesday marks day seven of Kwanzaa, which is the last day of Kwanzaa. The principle is Imani, which is Swahili for “faith.” Imani means to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. On this day the seventh and final green candle is lit.
Remember that Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration, but faith here refers to the family and community traditions as a spiritual center. It is a belief in community leaders, teachers,
and loved ones, past and present.
Faith over Fear
President of Faith Over Fear Economic Empowerment, Incorporated Angela Morton says their mission is to help businesses become sustainable. She said they also create opportunities for visibility. What better way to end Kwanzaa than speaking prosperity over your future. And with “Faith” in their name, they seemed to be the perfect fit.
“Whatever your goals are, write them down, believe in them, and achieve them. You may not see it right now, but keep striving, you write it down, and you have a plan, and work towards that. But you have to believe that in your heart that you’re going to be successful. It starts within your heart,” Morton said.
Karamu & Zawadi
The last day marks the Karamu Ya Imani or “feast of faith” where the family gathers and makes traditional African-style dishes. Many also wear traditional African garb like Kinte cloth, dashikis, head scarves, or kufie. The Zawadi or gifts are also given and are meant to touch the mind, body, or soul, but shouldn’t centered around monetary factors.
Nguzo Saba
Be sure to keep all the Nguzo Saba or seven principles of Kwanzaa—Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, and Creativity—with you throughout the New Year, and have faith in all you do.
For more information about Faith Over Fear Economic Empowerment, Inc., visit their website, and get the help you need to remain faithful.
I hope you’ve had a great journey with me. At the end of the 7 days, we chant Harambee seven times to signify the end of the holiday. So, in the spirit of Kwanza, Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee! Harambee!
