In “Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture” Maulana Karenga (the creator of Kwanzaa) describes faith (imani) as “a profound and enduring belief in and commitment to all that is of value to us as a family, community, people and culture.”
In further describing “faith” (imani), the author discusses it in terms of three main concepts: “the foundation of faith”, “faith in our people”, and “faith in our struggle”.
Regarding “the foundation of faith” the author speaks of faith (imani) as the basis for Kwanzaa as celebration and practice, and for unity (umoja) and the other Kwanzaa principles.
In speaking of the “faith in our people”, Karenga raises an important concept found in African spiritual traditions, from Egypt on, when he states that “we are in the image of the Creator and thus capable of ultimate righteousness and creativity through self-mastery and development in the context of positive support.”
These ideals are built on the faith (imani) we have in ourselves, our people, our struggle, and our purpose (nia).