Kwanzaa Celebration

This year’s celebration marks an important milestone: our first Kwanzaa as a Department rather than a Center.

This transition highlights our growth and elevated institutional recognition, and comes as we prepare to launch the new Bachelor of Arts degree in African, Black and Caribbean Studies in January 2026.

Our program will include:

• A keynote address by Dr. Sentwali Bakari, Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• A reading of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, which uplift unity, creativity, community, and faith
• The lighting of the seven candles of the Kinara, each symbolizing one of the principles
  • Umoja (Unity)
  • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
  • Ujima (Collective Responsibility)
  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
  • Nia (Purpose)
  • Kuumba (Creativity)
  • Imani (Faith)
• A cultural performance by students from our African American Dance class

Register by Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Guests are invited to conclude the evening with a traditional meal.

Central to this year’s celebration is Kujichagulia, the second principle of Kwanzaa and the Swahili term for self-determination. Kujichagulia means to define, name, create for oneself, and speak for oneself. This principle guides both our establishment as a Department and the creation of our new degree program. Together, these achievements reflect our commitment to empowering students to shape their own identities and narratives, and to advancing the study of African, Black, and Caribbean histories, cultures, and experiences.

As we celebrate Kwanzaa, we honor both the enduring legacy of the holiday and the transformative vision guiding this new chapter in our institutional journey.

Sponsored by:

• Department of African, Black and Caribbean Studies
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

For any questions, please contact The Department of African, Black and Caribbean Studies at 516.877.4980.