Kwanzaa – Kuumba Is Swahili For Creativity

Kuumba, or Creativity: To leave the community more beautiful than before.

The sixth day of Kwanzaa observers acknowledge Kuumba which means creativity. Kuumba is a commitment to using one’s creativity to improve the community and leave a legacy that builds on the accomplishments of the ancestors.

The sixth principle Kuumba has both a social and spiritual dimension and is deeply rooted in the social and sacred teachings of African societies. In ancient Egypt, creativity was both an original act or imitation of the Creator and a restorative act also reflective of the Creator constantly pushing back the currents of chaos and decay, and revitalizing and restoring the natural, spiritual and cosmic energy of the world. This was a spiritual and ethical obligation to constantly renew and restore the great works, the legacy of the ancestors and the creative energy of the leader and nation.

On the sixth day, we light the third red candle, which represents the principle of Kuumba, or creativity.

When we light the sixth candle of Kwanzaa, we celebrate how we can channel our creative energies to build and preserve a strong and vibrant community.