Happy Kwanzaa!

December 26 - January 1 The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are especially important as we remember our world's hardships and disappointments of 2012, but we remain hopeful because we have another chance. Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, "I believe in the essential unity of all people and for that matter of all lives. Therefore, I believe that if one person gains spiritually, the whole world gains, and if one person falls, the whole world falls to that extent." Let communities join together for the good of humanity to improve the lives and conditions for the entire human race. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (oo-MOH-ja) Meaning: unity Action: building a community that holds together Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Meaning: self-determination Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) Meaning: collective work and responsibility Action: helping others within the community Ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) Meaning: cooperative economics Action: supporting businesses that care about the community Nia (nee-AH) Meaning: a sense of purpose Action: setting goals that benefit the community Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Meaning: creativity Action: making the community better and more beautiful Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Meaning: faith Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future