Learn about the 7 principles of Kwanzaa

The West Las Vegas Arts Center is hosting an event to celebrate Kwanzaa, which was created by the African American community as a way to pay homage to African culture.

“It was created specifically for the African American community,” says Keith Brantley, a facilitator as the West Las Vegas Arts Center. “But that’s not to say everyone can’t celebrate it.”

While the event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Kwanzaa begins Friday and runs for seven days. Each day pays homage to a seven principles known as Nguzo Saba.

Day No. 1 is Umoja, which means unity. This can be defined as striving to seek unity in an individual family or in the community as a whole.

Day No. 2 is Kujichagulia, which means self determination.

“As African Americans, we have to define our own existence,” Brantley says.

Day No. 3 is Ujima, also known as responsibility or collective work. Brantley says it promotes the idea of a village mentality.

“Everyone in the community has a purpose and place,” he says.

Day No. 4 is Ujamaa or cooperative economics.

During this time, participants encourage patronage at other black-owned businesses.

“There have been studies done that show unlike other communities money doesn’t circulate in the black community,” Brantley says. “It usually goes out of the community.”

This principle is designed to benefit businesses and profit within the African American community.

Day No. 5 is Nia, which is about purpose.

“Every day you wake up, you need to have a purpose,” Brantley says. “You need a reason to go out and motivation to carry you through.”

Day No. 6 is Kuumba or acknowledging individual creativity.

“It’s about your own personal creativity,” he says. “We don’t appreciate black art as much as we should. We like music but we don’t appreciate the creative process that goes into it.”

Day No. 7 is Imani or faith.

“It’s the first day of the year,” he says. “You go into the new year with faith that things will get better.”

Brantley says the holiday is not designed to replace other celebrations such as Christmas or Hanukkah.

Check out the full story Dec. 25.

“People often refer to it as black Christmas,” he says “And that’s not what it is. Kwanzaa doesn’t replace a holiday. You can celebrate Christmas and still celebrate Kwanzaa.”

Contact reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5201. Follow @mjlyle on Twitter.