Dr. Maulana Karenga at DuSable Museum

Founder of Kwanzaa at DuSable Museum Chicago welcomes and DuSable Museum of African American History presents Dr. Maulana Karenga!   Tuesday, December 13, 2011  DuSable Museum of African American History 740 East 56th Place  Chicago, Illinois 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Admission: $15.00      The DuSable Museum's President and CEO, Dr. Carol Adams will moderate a conversation and audience Q&A with Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of the cultural holiday, Kwanzaa! Professor and Academic Advisor of the Department of Africana Studies, California State University at Long Beach, Dr. Karenga is also Executive Director of the Kawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies, Los Angeles, and National Chairman of the US Organization.        An activist and scholar of national and international recognition, Dr. Karenga has had a far reaching effect on Black intellectual and political culture since the 1960's. Through his organizational and intellectual work, and his philosophy, Kawaida, he has played a vanguard role in shaping the Black Arts Movement, Black Studies, and the Black Power Movement.       The 7 principles of Kwanzaa Theme 1 - Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are." Theme 2 - Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community. Theme 3 - Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Theme 4 - Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Theme 5 - Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. Theme 6 - Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. Theme 7  - Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. The Nguzo Saba of the seven days of Kwanzaa: Day 1. Umoja means unity. Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination. Day 3. Ujima means working together. Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other. Day 5. Nia means purpose. Day 6. Kuumba means creativity. Day 7. Imani means faith, especially faith in ourselves.