Kwanzaa is the time when we reflect on our use of the basic principles, 

share and enjoy the fruits of our labor & 

recommit ourselves to the collective attainment of a better life for our family, our community and our people.

Presented in the artwork is a Kinara which is a seven-space candle holder used during Kwanzaa. 

The candle holder represents the original stalk from which the African people originated.

The black candle symbolizes African people themselves, 

the three red candles represent the struggle of blood shed in the past & 

the three green candles represent the Earth and the abundance of possibilities the future holds.

The mishumaa saba (seven candles) stand for the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa;

1. Umoja (Unity)

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

5. Nia (Purpose)

6. Kuumba (Creativity)

7. Imani (Faith)