The Nefer
This date is the fifth day of Kwanzaa. The day focuses on Nia, the Swahili word for purpose.
This fifth principle of the Nguzo Saba is a dedication to the collective vocation of building, developing, and defending our community, its culture, and history. We do this to regain our historical initiative and greatness as a people and to add goodness and beauty to the world. The hieroglyph Nefer, an ancient Egyptian (picture), symbolizes beauty and good.
Nia focuses on black people as heirs and custodians of a great legacy. They bear generational responsibility and are urged to unite for personal and social purposes.
Kwanzaa, A celebration of family, community, and culture
by Maulana Karenga,
University of Sankore Press, Los Angeles
Copyright 1998, by Malulana Karenga
ISBN 0-943412-21-8
