Informational pages for Kwanzaa Commemorative Stamp – American Commemorative Panels, includes images of the stamps, information about the physical stamp and information about Kwanzaa. First issued October 10, 2002

United States Postal Service. Stamp Division

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UNF Digital Commons

University of North Florida UNF Digital Commons Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr. Stamp Collection Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr. Papers 10-10-2002 American Commemorative Panels: Kwanzaa United States Postal Service. Stamp Division Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/hurst_stamps  Part of the African American Studies Commons, and the United States History Commons Recommended Citation American Commemorative Panels: Kwanzaa. 2002. Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr. Papers. University of North Florida. Thomas G. Carpenter Library. Special Collections and Archives. UNF Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/hurst_stamps/63/ This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr. Papers at UNF Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Rodney Lawrence Hurst, Sr. Stamp Collection by an authorized administrator of UNF Digital Commons. For more information, please contact Digital Projects. © 10-10-2002 All Rights Reserved Rodney Lawrence Hurst Sr. Papers Thomas G Carpenter Library Special CollectionsAMER I CAN COMMEMORATI V E PANELS Kwanzaa IN 1966, AN ACTIVIST-SCHOLAR named Dr. Maulana Karenga believed that forward and positive advances among African Americans required a strong emphasis on African culture and its relationship to the American present. In response to this realization, Dr. Karenga created Kwanzaa, an annual holiday celebrated for seven days, from December 26 through January 1. Deriving its name from a Swahili word , Kwanzaa is not a substitute for Christmas, but rather a time for reaffirming the impor-tance of the ancestors and culture of African Americans. At its core are the Nguzo Saba-the Seven Principles-which include Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. There are a number of symbols that accompany the celebration of Kwanzaa. The kinara, or candleholder, is the focal point of the Kwanzaa symbols and holds one candle for each of the Seven Principles. The candles-one black, three red, and three green - are lit one day at a time throughout the celebration. In addition, mazao (crops) , represented by fruits and vegetables, and muhindi, ears of corn reflecting the number of children in the family, are placed on the mkeka (straw placemat) with the kinara. The kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup) and zawadi (gifts for enrichment) are also included in the display. Synthia Saint James, the artist whose work was commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service for this Kwanzaa stamp, included each of the Kwanzaa symbols in her colorful painting of the celebration . Saint James has become an internationally recognized artist as well as an award -winning author, illustrator, and song-writer. Her varied artistic projects have in-cluded paintings for book covers, as well as a 150-foot-long ceramic tile mural for Ontario International Airport in California. First issued in 1997, this Kwanzaa stamp was the first holiday stamp commissioned to an African American artist. left: © Ariel Skelley/ COR BIS, bottom right: Synthia Saint James, background: Border design © Synthia Saint James. UM OJ A (u nity) KUJ ICHAGU LIA (self-determ ination) U J IM A (co llective work and responsib ility) UJAMAA (cooperat ive econom ics) N I A (pu rpose) KU UM BA (c reat ivity) I MAN I (fa ith) Stamps printed by Avery Dennison (AVR) / No. 670 in a series / October 10, 2002 / Printed in U.S.A. / © 2002 United States Postal Service UNITED STATESPOSTAL SERVICE Rodney Lawrence Hurst Sr. Papers Thomas G Carpenter Library Special CollectionsAMERICAN COMMEMORATIVE CANCELLATIONS Issue Date October 10, 2002 First Day City Washington, DC Designer Synthia Saint James Los Angeles, CA Art Director Derry Noyes Washington, DC Typographer Derry Noyes Modeler Avery Dennison (SPD) Manufacturing Process Gravure Printer Avery Dennison (AVR) Engraver Southern Graphic Systems, Inc. Colors Magenta, Yellow, Cyan, Black Image Area 1.05 X ,77 (in.) 26.67 x 19.56 (mm) Format Pane of 20 (1 design) Plate Numbers "V" followed by four (4) single digits Marginal Markings © 1996 USPS, price, plate position diagram, plate numbers, barcode Kwanzaa Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa reaffirms African-American heritage as well as goals of unity, identity, and purpose. The celebration is based upon the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. During the seven days from December 26 through January 1, a candle is lit daily and often-times small gifts emphasizing creativity are given. On December 31 the karamu (Kwanzaa Feast) is held, focusing on community and cooperative effort. Synthia Saint James, the artist whose work was commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service for this Kwanzaa stamp, included each of the Kwanzaa symbols in her colorful painting of the celebration. Saint James has become an internationally recognized artist as well as an award-winning author, illustrator, and songwriter. Her varied artistic projects have included paintings for book covers, as well as a 150-foot-long ceramic tile mural for Ontario International Airport in California. First issued in 1997, this Kwanzaa stamp was the first holiday stamp commissioned to an African-American artist. FIRST DAY OF ISSUE © 2002 United States Postal Service (0236) UNITED STATESPOSTAL SERVICE 

American Commemorative Panels: Kwanzaa

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American Commemorative Panels: Kwanzaa

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