Ujamaa Day

Fourth Day of Kwanzaa

Ujamaa ( Self Determination) Principle. “To build and maintain our own stores and other businesses and profit from them together.”

Explanation and Meaning. The Ujamaa principle instructs us to look toward cooperative economic ventures, working together to build collective wealth.

Ingathering. On Ujamaa Day, the family comes together to pool their resources together. Likewise, at the community level, residents discuss revenue strategies.

Giving Thanks and Remembrance. On Ujamaa Day, the family discusses family, friends, and heroic figures who have come before us and work to provide us with greater freedoms and possibilities.

Family Discussion. One of the activities during the fourth day of Kwanzaa discussing centers on building collective wealth or revenue for the family.

Candle Lighting Ceremony. On the second day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the red or Ujamaa candle, which corresponds to Ujamaa Day. 

Kwanzaa Commitment. During the candling lighting ceremony, each family member pledges to come up with ways to increase family wealth and revenue.

Kwanzaa Feast. The family enjoys a special holiday meal of their choice. There is no set or mandated meal for Kwanzaa. Enjoy your meal.

Kwanzaa Reinforcing Activity.  On Ujamaa Day, the family organizes an activity around pooling resources.