Each year, Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 to unite and empower the African American community. The word "Kwanzaa" originates from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits."

The week-long Kwanzaa celebration is organized around seven principles, Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

There are various ways to celebrate Kwanzaa, and exchanging inspirational quotes with loved ones is a great way to kick off the festivities. Consider sharing these quotes from AZQuotes and Woman's Day:

  • "Unity, to be real, must stand the severest strain without breaking." — Mahatma Gandhi
  • "The seven principles of Kwanzaa - unity, self-determination, collective work, and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith -- teach us that when we come together to strengthen our families and communities and honor the lesson of the past, we can face the future with joy and optimism." — Bill Clinton
  • "Kwanzaa is a holiday that should be celebrated by everyone, not just the Black community." — Jacqui Lewis
  • "Kwanzaa does not replace Christmas and is not a religious holiday. It is a time to focus on Africa and African-inspired culture and to reinforce a value system that goes back for generations." — Eric V. Copage
  • "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." — Maya Angelou
  • "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." — Muhammad Ali
  • "I don't think there will ever be a time when the principles of Kwanzaa will not be important or timely. It's a great time for reflection, and now more than ever our, country needs to be reminded of unity." — Kellie Carter Jackson

Consider exchanging these seasonal blessings associated with Kwanzaa:

  • "May you create the best Kwanzaa and happiest New Year."
  • "Hoping Kwanzaa brings you time to enjoy the blessings of family, community, and togetherness."
  • "Let the candles of Kwanzaa light the past, the present, and the future ahead."

Recite this prayer at church during a Kwanzaa celebration:

Holy One, We breathe your faithful love into our being--a love that calls us good. Your love is one of presence. Your love is one of memory. Your love is a vision of wellness that will not die.

Come to us in the strength of rich heritage during this Kwanzaa season. Pour out your Spirit. Stir imagination. Restore confidence. Host our hope. Scatter seeds of ancestral wisdom in our vineyards.

Through your divine gift of community, we are connected to everything we need. Through your divine gift of community, we are connected to everything we need. Through your divine gift of community, we are connected to everything we need.

We offer this prayer of affirmation, believing our partnership with you is unmatched in power from age to age. In the name of Jesus, Freedom's Lamb, Amen.

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Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a special celebration that takes place from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Mario Tama/Getty Images