Kwanzaa Charity Gift Guide

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that lasts from December 26 to January 1, is defined by seven principles that promote community, family, and unity . It's tradition to give loved ones homemade presents that relate to these principles, but how about giving gifts strangers in need this year? Get into the Kwanzaa spirit by donating money or time to charities and foundations that correspond to each of the holiday's principles. Need help? Black Voices has put together a Kwanzaa Charity Gift Guide just for you.

Taxi/Getty Images

Umoja (Unity): "To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race."
Any number of charities or organizations fall under the umbrella of "Umoja," but if you want to start with the family, consider supporting the National Center for Family Literacy, which tackles the problem of illiteracy by engaging the entire family. For a different approach to unity, "unite" with other good samaritans through Heifer International. Each donor pays for a portion of a farm animal, supplies, or even honey bees, which are then donated to needy families and communities across the globe, including 28 states and several countries in Africa.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): "To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves."
There's nothing that promotes self-determination in our community more than a good education. For Kujichagulia, donate to a reputable scholarship fund, like the
http://www.jackierobinson.org/about/">Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Thurgood Marshall Fund, or UNCF.


Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility): "To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together."
If it is our responsibility to share and help solve the problems of our brothers and sisters, then we have a lot of work to do! One place to get started is with the most unfortunate members of our community: those who can't afford food or shelter. Feeding America (formerly known as Second Harvest) is a national organization that provides much-needed food for the hungry, and your local homeless shelter could surely use your help -- through donations of clothing, food, money or time -- this holiday season.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): "To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together."
Help out our future black businessmen and businesswomen with a donation to the National Black MBA Foundation, which raises and invests money to support scholarships and leadership programs for the National Black MBA Association. You can also get your Uajamaa on year round by patronizing or investing in black-owned businesses whenever possible.

Nia (Purpose): "To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness."
Community-building begins with the children. Make it your New Year's (or Kwanzaa) resolution to volunteer for or donate to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America or Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Kumbaa (Creativity): "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."
There are countless arts organizations that could use your donations -- try choosing one that corresponds with one of your favorite hobbies or pastimes. Enjoy reading and writing? Help others to do the same -- a New York-based organization called Girls Write Now mentors and coaches high school girls in creative writing. Dancing's your thing? Give to the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.


Imani (Faith): "To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle."
People translate Imani in many different ways -- it can relate to anything from your personal religious faith to faith in your community. In honor of this principle, give time or money to your house of worship or even your political leaders. For the latter, try the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

jupiterimages