Maulana Karenga

Africa is one of the most spoken about continents in the world, mostly in a disturbing way, with the aim of most people who want to change it, but yet refuse to use the ideas and thoughts of the Black community. It goes without saying that most see the advice from Whites in the West as the best, wisest, correct, accurate, and, most frequently, the only one that matters in fixing social and economic problems around the globe. But in reality, things are harder to change without the cultural background understanding, sense of belonging, and, most importantly, an affected body and stakeholder’s contribution. Africa is the richest continent, yet the relatively poorest; it is the bravest, yet the weakest; it is resilient, yet easily deceived and used for individuality-motivated warfare; it is the longest-standing civilization, yet the most underdeveloped continent. This chapter uses qualitative (explanatory and historical) methodology to examine whether the coming together of people of African descent would improve and build a better Africa. It specifically examines whether Maulana Karenga’s values of the seven days of Kwanzaa under the seven principles of (1) Unity, (2) Self Determination, (3) Collective Work and Responsibility, (4) Cooperative Economics, (5) Purpose, (6) Creativity, and (7) Faith would have an impact on how we look at Africa for the development of a new continent. It will employ the conceptualization of Africa by Karenga to focus on things and ways that can bring about the changes needed for the betterment of the continent and African people everywhere. The research findings would help to conceptualize a future for a brighter, stronger, and most developed continent for many years to come.