Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

Kwanzaa is a time of learning, family, and celebration.

The second principle of Kwanzaa is kujichagulia (pronounced “koo-jee-CHA-goo-LEE-ah”), or “self-determination.”

Traditionally, you light the first red candle to the immediate left of the black candle.

Its focus is building your identity as a person and a community, both historically and in the present day, by asking the question, “Who am I?” Kujichagulia also encourages the question, “Am I all that I ought to be?”

Note that, although the black candle is always first, the order and color of the other candles will vary based on household traditions and personal choice.