Happy 2020! Today We Celebrate The 7th Day Of Kwanzaa

I'm Shawn Knight and this is 2020!

I always wanted to say that! Happy New Year and I hope your day is off to a great start.

We have made it to the final day of Kwanzaa and I hope you have been working diligently putting the seven daily principles to work with your families, and community.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who is a professor of African Studies in which the past seven days we focused on the family, community, and culture around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles).

Umoja – Unity
Kujichagulia – Self Determination
Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
Nia – Purpose
Kuumba – Creativity
Imani – Faith

The seventh and last principle of Kwanzaa is IMANI which symbolize FAITH

Today we light the final green candle for Imani for "faith."

As a culture it is a strong belief that we are committed to everything that is of value in regards to our family, community, and people.

We are to honor our best traditions as a family and community and look within ourselves to rise and strive for a higher level of spirituality and a better life for ourselves and for those around us.

Imani reaffirms our "self worth" and the confidence that we can triumph over struggle in 2020 and beyond.

The Tyler Public Library will conclude their Kwanzaa celebration tonight starting at 6 p.m.

Have a very happy and prosperous 2020.