As the year winds down and we stand at the intersection of reflection and renewal, many families across the African diaspora gather to celebrate Kwanzaa — not as a religious holiday, but as a cultural one rooted in history, intention, and collective power. Here’s where Kwanzaa comes from — and why it still matters. The Origin of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by scholar and activist Dr. Maulana Karenga during the Black Freedom Movement in the United States. It was designed to reconnect people of African descent with African cultural values, traditions, and principles — especially in the aftermath of struggle, displacement, and systemic disruption. The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning first fruits — a nod to African harvest celebrations that honored community, gratitude, and shared responsibility. An extra “a” was added to the spelling so the word would have seven letters, representing the seven principles at the heart of the celebration. When Kwanzaa Is Celebrated Kwanzaa is observed December 26 through January 1. - Each day honors one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) — values meant to guide how we live, build, and relate to one another: - Umoja (Unity) – Togetherness in family, community, and nation - Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – Defining ourselves for ourselves - Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) – Building and maintaining together - Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) – Supporting our own businesses and people - Nia (Purpose) – Commitment to restoring our community’s greatness - Kuumba (Creativity) – Leaving our community more beautiful than we found it - Imani (Faith) – Belief in ourselves, our people, and our future Each evening, a candle is lit on the kinara, conversations are held, and families reflect on how these principles show up in real life — not just during the holiday, but all year long. Key Symbols of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa celebrations often include meaningful symbols, each representing a core idea:

Most women aren’t stuck because of fear… They’re stuck because life quietly became AVERAGE. Predictable. Safe. Routine. Just enough to survive… Not enough to feel alive. Same morning. Same job. Same conversations. Same cycle. Different day. Sis… that’s not a life. That’s autopilot. And autopilot will turn a powerful woman into a version of herself she doesn’t even recognize. Here’s the real truth: You outgrew the life you’re living — you just haven’t built the next one yet. And that’s why you feel stuck. Your spirit is bored. Your potential is unexpressed. Your calling is tired of waiting. But hear me clearly: You are ONE decision away from a completely different life. One yes. One shift. One encounter. One new chapter. You don’t have to burn your life down — You just have to stop settling for a life that doesn’t excite you anymore. If you’re done being average… If you’re ready to get unstuck… If your next version is tapping you on the shoulder… Let's Chat https://calendly.com/fmellis-info/why-you-need-to-write-a-book We don’t just write books — We rewrite lives. Let’s build your next chapter. Xoxo, Your BIG life Coach FM Ellis

After that bagel story I shared Monday, I want to leave you with one more thought — a deeper one: Most obstacles aren’t real. They’re habits. They’re stories we’ve rehearsed so long they feel like truth. Simon’s friend didn’t have a real barrier. There was no rule saying, “You must wait in line.” It was just what he assumed. What he believed. What he accepted without questioning. So here’s the question I want to place on your heart today: 👉🏾 Are you living by rules no one actually gave you? “I have to be perfect before I start the book.” “No one will care about my story.” “I need more time.” “I need more money.” “It has to look like everyone else’s.” Sis… no you don’t. You can walk around the line. You can take the unconventional path. You can grab the bagel. You can write the book. Your story is too important to sit behind imaginary boundaries. If you’re ready to focus on the goal instead of the excuses… 👉🏾 Start your 90-Day Author journey today https://www.skool.com/90-day-authors-2966/about?ref=75b24d6703cf4672ae8a03df31374b03 👉🏾 Download your Starter Kit + join the community https://stan.store/90dayauthor/p/book-structure-tools Your story is the bagel. Let’s go get it. With you, FM Ellis Founder, The 90-Day Author™