Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba which in the Pan-African language of Swahili means Seven Principles.  These principles stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but serve also as its social glue.

• Umoja (Unity) - celebrated December 26. To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
  

• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - celebrated December 27. To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
  

• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - celebrated December 28. To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.
  

• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - celebrated December 29. To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
  

• Nia (Purpose) - celebrated December 30. To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
  

• Kuumba (Creativity) - celebrated December 31. To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
  

• Imani (Faith) - celebrated January 1. To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.