Since Dr. Maulana Karenga initiated the practice of providing an annual Kwanzaa theme and Annual Kwanzaa Founder’s Message, he has sought to offer a theme and message which serve as a framework and focus for the world African community to relate the principles and practices of Kwanzaa to enduring and current issues of life, work and struggle.
The Annual Kwanzaa theme and Founder’s Message also serve as another point of community, national and pan-African unity, Umoja, the first principle of the Nguzo Saba.
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For it is the principle, Umoja, which makes all the other principles and related practices possible, promising and successful – To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
The Essential Foundation
Umoja (Unity) is the first and foundational principle of the Nguzo Saba. Unity is both a principle and practice of togetherness in all things good and of mutual benefit.
Family Unity
Unity as a principle and practice begins with family. Adults and children must respect and approach unity as a moral principle of family and community, not simply a political slogan.
Intergenerational Unity
Finally the family must be, as in African culture, the focal point of unity not simply of siblings and of genders, but also of generations.
Community Unity
If one starts with the family when discussing unity, the community (local and national) becomes the next level of the concern and the practice of unity.
Pan-African Unity
The ultimate level of unity for African people in Pan-African unity or unity of the world African community. This is also called Unity of the race.
