Habari Gani? Kuumba!

Today, on the sixth day of Kwanzaa, we celebrate Kuumba (Creativity) which is to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful &
beneficial than we inherited it.

Falling on December 31, New Year’s Eve, it is a time to celebrate! Today is the Karamu feast, one of the most significant Kwanzaa celebrations overall. While the Karamu feast has various levels of formality–key elements are sharing a meal and cultural creative expression. Since it corresponds with the principle of Kuumba or Creativity, we encourage families to an do arts and crafts project together. Then, the crafts can be given as Zawadi (gifts, which are exchanged on day seven, January 1.

Today’s Kuumba activity and reflection comes from our Communications Director, Lorena Estrella. 

“What Wakanda represents is a fictitious place that is reimagined where there was no colonization, and we imagine how they would have progressed with technology and Vibranium using their advancements in technology,” Ms. Carter said, referring to the fictional ore that powers and enriches the Wakandans, especially through the Kimoyo beads given to each Wakandan at birth. “And I like to think that we accent our costumes with adornments that connect us to history.” NYTIMES Wakanda Forever showcases the beauty and power of adornment through the intentional and detailed costuming and jewelry.  This Kuumba, connect with your sense of creativity and self-expression through adornment!  Reflect on Creativity: How can I express myself through the art of personal adornment? What shapes, colors, jewels speak to my sense of style? What prints and patterns connect me to my people and history?    Activity: Create your own Kimoyo bead bracelets like the ones all Wakandans receive at birth. Follow instructions and visuals below and have fun!