Kwanzaa, "first fruits of the harvest" is a "California Grown" International Holiday

Preparations for the California State Capitol Kwanzaa Celebration focus on a restoration of “Agriculture is the Foundation of our Culture”

California remains the #1 Agriculture Economy in America, and many within many agriculture sectors, "California Grown" products are the world standard.

We invite the entire State of California to gain a deeper understanding of our expanding California ~ Pan African Agriculture Trade and Commerce in the spirit of Kwanzaa.

Past, present and future California, Africa Union & Caribbean Agribusiness, Banking, Trade and Commerce remains an open secret to explore.

Our Annual California Kwanzaa Celebration continues to expand toward educating and sharing our rich agricultural heritage throughout the world.

Once again, the California Black Agriculture Working Group is excited and humbled to "open the way" for a festive Kwanzaa season and prepare for global traditional Kwanzaa celebrations (December 26 – January 1)

Kwanzaa is a spiritual, festive, joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life. Kwanzaa celebrates agriculture as a way of life. Kwanzaa is a living social practice and Kwanzaa is a time of remembering, reassessing, recommitting, rewarding and rejoicing.

This 50th Anniversary of the Nguzo Saba, pause and imagine globally, people of African Ancestry valuing a sustainable approach and scientific methodology toward expanding understanding traditional Pan African heritage.

2016 Black Agriculture will share an expanded equitable partnerships throughout the broader California Agriculture industry, educational institutions and supporting industries.

7 Principles of the Nguzo Saba (n-Goo-zo Sah-bah)

Umoja (Oo-moh-jah) – Unity
Kujichagulia (Koo-jee-ch-goo-lee-ah) – Self-Determination
Ujima (Oo-jee-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa (Oo-jah-mah) Cooperative Economics
Nia (Nee-yah) – Purpose
Kuumba (Koo-oom-bah) – Creativity
Imani (Ee-mah-nee) - Faith

Kwanzaa is celebrated at home with your family, with a group of families, and at public gatherings. There is a daily ceremony that focuses on the principle of the day and a short discussion of it’s meaning. Everyone, especially the children, are encouraged to identify practical ways to incorporate the principles of Kwanzaa into everyday life.

Kwanzaa Symbols

Mkeka (Mm-kay-kah) – Straw mat (Symbolizing foundation – our tradition and history)
Kinara (Ka-nah-rah) – Candleholder (Symbolizing our ancestors)
Mishumaa Saba (Mee-shoo-mah) Seven candles (Symbolizing the seven principles)
Vibunzi (Vee-boon-zee) - Ears of corn (Symbolizing our children)
Mazao (Mah-zah-oh) - Fruit and vegetables (Symbolizing cultivation and productive labor)
Kikombe Cha (Kee-khom-bay-cha ) - Unity cup (Symbolizing unity)
Zawadi (Zah-wah-dee) – Gifts (Symbolizing commitments made and kept)