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-ancient Egyptian (picture) symbolizes beauty and good.
Nia focuses on black people as heirs and custodians of a great legacy, who bear a generational responsibility, and are urged to join together 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
