Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 through January 1, primarily within African and African American communities. It is a cultural holiday rather than a religious one, centred on shared values, history, and collective responsibility.

Each day of Kwanzaa highlights a principle, including unity, self-determination, collective work, and care for one another. Together, they offer a framework for reflection that reaches beyond the holiday itself.

Kwanzaa is often celebrated through gathering, storytelling, remembrance, and intention-setting. It can be joyful, reflective, or quietly grounding, depending on how it is observed.

I want to acknowledge Kwanzaa with respect, without attempting to speak for it or define it beyond its values.

If you are observing Kwanzaa this year, I hope it brings moments of connection and clarity. If you are not, its emphasis on community and shared responsibility may still offer something worth carrying forward.

Gareth