Kwanzaa is more than a celebration—it's a call to honor the principles that guide and uplift the Black community. From Umoja (unity) to Imani (faith), the holiday's seven values are a blueprint for building stronger bonds, empowering individuals, and fostering creativity. These principles don’t just exist in tradition—they live on in the stories we tell and the art we create. Whether through "Selma" or the entrepreneurial spirit of "Barbershop," Black television and cinema embody these ideals, offering inspiration that transcends the screen. By aligning each day of Kwanzaa with a powerful show or film, we celebrate how our stories continue to amplify the heart of the holiday.

• Movie: Black Panther
• The film’s focus on the unity of Wakanda and its people, as well as the connection to the greater African diaspora, aligns perfectly with the principle of Umoja.

• TV Show: Queen Sugar
• This series showcases characters like Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel as they navigate life while defining their own paths and destinies, it is a powerful example of self-determination.

• TV Show: The Wire
• Through its portrayal of community struggles and collaborative efforts to address systemic challenges, the series reflects the value of collective work and responsibility.

• Movie: Barbershop
• The barbershop is a staple of Black economic and social life, representing the ways in which communities thrive through cooperation and local business support.

• Movie: Selma
• This film about the Civil Rights Movement highlights the principle of purpose by telling the story of individuals working toward a collective goal of justice and equality.

• TV Show: Insecure
• The creativity of Issa’s journey as a writer, performer, and community advocate embodies the principle of Kuumba, showcasing how art and innovation can inspire growth.

• Movie: The Color Purple
• The film’s central themes of resilience and belief in a better future align closely with the value of Imani, as the characters’ faith helps them endure and triumph.

These pairings honor the spirit of Kwanzaa while showcasing how Black television and cinema reflect and celebrate these principles.