Appreciating Kwanzaa as an Outsider: A Celebration of Intentional Tradition
Every December, I find myself reflecting on the many ways we, as humans, create meaning through tradition. While I don’t celebrate Kwanzaa myself, I deeply admire what it represents—an intentional act of reclaiming space, voice, and identity. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa emerged as a response to a profound need: a celebration designed for and by Black communities, honoring their cultural heritage and aspirations in ways mainstream traditions did not.
This idea resonates deeply with the work I do through Remake The Rules. So often, the systems and traditions we inherit don’t serve us. Yet Kwanzaa reminds us that we’re not powerless in these moments. We can reimagine, reclaim, and create something entirely new—something that honors who we are and what we stand for.
The Power of a Tradition Built with Intention
Kwanzaa’s structure is deliberate, grounded in seven principles called the Nguzo Saba: Unity (Umoja), Self-Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani). These principles provide not only a guide for the celebration but also a roadmap for living a values-driven life.
What stands out to me most is the principle of Kujichagulia—self-determination. Kwanzaa isn’t just about affirming identity; it’s about actively shaping it. It’s about rejecting external definitions and deciding, as a community and as individuals, who you are and who you want to be. This act of intentional self-definition feels deeply aligned with my work, which often involves helping people and communities ask, “What’s important to us, and how do we build systems that reflect it?”
Lessons from Kwanzaa for Us All
Even as someone who doesn’t celebrate Kwanzaa, its lessons feel universal. It reminds us that tradition isn’t static. It can be created, reshaped, and reclaimed. It reminds us that community matters, and so does purpose. Above all, it reminds us that we can honor the past while designing futures that serve us better.
Be Intentional: Traditions don’t have to be inherited. They can be crafted to reflect your values, identity, and needs.
Embrace Self-Determination: Define yourself on your own terms. Build systems and rituals that align with who you are and who you want to be.
Value Community: Success isn’t a solo journey. Build connections and structures that uplift and include others.
Honor Creativity: Whether in problem-solving or celebration, creativity is a powerful tool for designing systems and traditions that work for you.
Seek Purpose: Intentional systems are grounded in meaning. Clarify your “why” before shaping your “how.”
Respect the Past: Kwanzaa shows us the power of honoring history while imagining something new. Look back, but don’t hesitate to look forward.
Celebrate Growth: Like Kwanzaa’s principles, meaningful traditions help you live in alignment with your values, allowing room for reflection and evolution.
These lessons speak directly to the kinds of challenges I see every day in my work. Whether it’s helping someone rethink how they approach leadership or dating, the essence of the process is the same: starting from a place of reflection, understanding what matters most, and building something intentional and meaningful.
Acknowledging Its Origins
Of course, part of appreciating Kwanzaa is understanding its cultural specificity. It was designed for African Americans to reclaim their heritage and celebrate their unique contributions to the world. It’s an example of how traditions can be born when people dare to say, “This space is for us.”
Why Appreciation Matters
Kwanzaa is a powerful reminder that when we feel left out of existing systems, we can create alternatives that better reflect our identities and values. It’s an invitation to think about what it means to live intentionally and to ask ourselves: How can we honor our own identities while respecting the systems others have created for theirs?
May we all take inspiration from the intentionality of Kwanzaa and the strength of its principles, no matter what traditions we celebrate.
