Includes bibliographical references (pages 135-137) and index.

Preface to the commemorative edition -- Preface to the first edition -- Essentials of Kwanzaa: Summary: Origins -- Fundamental activities -- Essential values -- Symbols -- Greetings -- Swahili pronunciation -- Gifts -- Colors and decorations -- Kwanzaa: roots and branches: Introduction: cultural synthesis: Central African roots: First-fruits celebrations -- Ingathering of the people -- Reverence for the creator and creation -- Commemoration of the past -- Recommitment to cultural ideals -- Celebration of the good -- African American branch -- National and Pan-African meaning -- Reaffirming and restoring culture -- Reinforcing the bonds between us -- Introducing and reinforcing the nguzo saba -- Practicing self-determination -- Conclusion: a cultural choice -- Values of Kwanzaa: Introduction: Kawaida philosophy -- Nguzo saba (seven principles): Principle of umoja (unity) -- Principle of kujichagulia (self-determination) -- Principle of ujima (collective work and responsibility) -- Principle of ujamaa (cooperative economics) -- Principle of nia (purpose) -- Principle of kuumba (creativity) -- Principle of Imani (faith) -- Symbols of kwanzaa: Introduction: Symbols: Mazao (crops) -- Mkeka (mat) -- kinara (candle holder) -- muhindi (corn) -- mishumaa saba (seven candles) -- Kikombe cha umoja (unity cup) -- Zawadi (gifts) -- Bendera (flag) -- Nguzo saba poster (seven principles poster -- Activities of kwanzaa: Basic activities: Pouring tambiko (libation) -- Raising the names of the ancestors -- Tamshi la tambiko (libation statement) -- Harambee -- Lighting of the Mishumaa (candles) -- Day of meditation (siku ya taamuli) -- Umoja night and the candle lighting ceremony -- Karamu (feast) -- Decorating for Kwanzaa: Participation of children -- Tamshi la tutaonana (farewell statement) -- Fundamental questions about Kwanzaa: an interview -- Swahili terminology: Kwanzaa greeting. Kwanzaa: a celebration of family, community, and culture.