The red candles represent the blood and struggle of the people and the green candles represent the hope for the future. As you face the mishumaa saba, the black candle is placed in the middle the red candles are on the left and the green candles are on the right. Fruits and vegetables represent the harvest. These are the rewards of working hard together as a people. The ears of corn symbolize the children of the household, an ear of corn for every child in the home.
Children are the future of the community and deserve all of the support possible.
The kikombe cha umoja, or unity cup, is placed on the mkeka. It is used later in the celebration during the Karamu Feast. At that time it is filled with water, wine or grape juice and passed around after the libation statement. Additionally the Black Nationalist Flag or Bendera ya Taifa, with its black, red and green colors is prominately displayed. African works of art and books about Africans and African Americans are proudly displayed.