Lasana Kazembe

IU Indianapolis professor

I don’t really have a ‘favorite’ Kwanzaa principle. However, when I think about them, Imani (faith) emerges as the enabling principle/virtue. It takes faith to practice self-determination (Kujichagulia). It takes faith to practice unity (Umoja). And so on. Imani, in my assessment, is the foundational Kwanzaa principle that fuels the others.

Rev. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones

Senior pastor, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church

It’s impossible for me to choose one principle because here at Witherspoon we talk about living Kwanzaa 365! Our life-sized kinara stays up all year long, the seven Kwanzaa principles are etched on the glass leading into our sanctuary, and we celebrate the beauty and dignity of our heritage every chance we get.

Korie Griggs

Artist

I’d say Ujima is the Kwanzaa principle that is most prominent in my life. Collective work and responsibility is deeply ingrained in how I show up in the world and the work that I do to care for my community through art and grief work. Last year, Griggs spend time with loved ones, creating metal work and sitting in music circles.

Israel Solomon

Artist

I believe that all of the Kwanzaa principles make me a better person, if I follow them. As an artist I take pride in originality and creativity, and I hope that people can see that principle within my work. He celebrates through his artwork, “as I continue to push myself and develop my practice.”

Keesha Dixon

Creative consultant

My goal is to live the seven principles of Kwanzaa 365/24/7. When you embrace them as a lifestyle, then that’s when their transformative power can be experienced. So I am very intentional and conscious of my life choices as they relate to Unity, Self-Determination, Cooperative Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

Brother Jamaal Nelson

Historian and entrepreneur

I resonate most with Nia, which is for purpose. Purpose is what makes you keep going when things get rough or the light seems dim. Purpose is what drove Malcolm X to do what he did with all the obstacles he faced. Same with so many other pivotal and notable Black/African figures.

It’s about improving the overall quality of life of our people and liberating disempowered people across the globe. Being the first person in history to create both a Black culture and history board game and trivia app is great, but I didn’t do it for money – I did it for the purpose of the re-education of my people.

elle roberts

Writer

I am leaning into the principle of Kuumba, which loosely translates to creativity in Swahili. As a writer, I am learning my creative process is a spiritual practice in relationship with my familial and literary ancestors.

When I am disconnected from my ancestors, I struggle to meet myself on the page. When I am in connection with my ancestors, my writing is simply a process of listening.