Lisa Hayden, student support specialist of the ASHÉ Center on the left poses for a photo with ASHÉ center peer mentors from left Mulik Johnson, Nay Williams, Taylor McClure and Dakoda (DeeJay) Jones during the Kwanzaa celebration hosted by the center on Thursday Dec. 7, 2023.
The meaning of the holiday was broken down in a slideshow for attendees. Kwanzaa is a secular holiday traditionally celebrated by some members of the Black community. It typically spans from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu (Kah-Rah-Moo). Each day represents one of the seven principles that are key to this holiday.
The seven keys are: Umoja, meaning unity; Kujichagulia, meaning self-determination; Ujima, meaning collective work/unity; Ujamma, meaning cooperative economics; Nia, meaning Purpose; Kuumba, meaning creativity and Imani, meaning faith.
