January 1 The seventh day of Kwanzaa Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Imani means believing
People need to believe in themselves and other people. They need faith in their future. Almost everyone believes in God. Imani begins just after Kuumba ends at midnight. It is January 1 of the new year. The singing and dancing stop. Six candles are already lit. The last candle is lit. Now all seven candles are burning. People talk about what they believe. Some talk about God. They talk about the need to believe in themselves. Children need to believe in their parents, teachers, and leaders. They talk about the year that has just ended. What mistakes did they make? What can they do in the new year? What goals do they have? What changes will they make? For the last time, water or juice is poured from the cup. The cup is raised. "Harambee!" Everyone shouts back "Harambee!" seven times. Kwanzaa is over for the year, but it is not the end of thinking about the seven principles. African Americans try to live by them every day. | 