Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that celebrates communitarian values. It has roots in the “first fruits” celebrations of the African continent. Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies, founded Kwanzaa to celebrate African heritage and connect diasporic blacks to their African roots. It was first celebrated in 1966.
Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1 and ends with a feast and a day of reflection. The central ritual object for the holiday is a kinara, a candle holder with 7 candles representing the Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. One candle is lit each of the seven days to celebrate unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
To Name This Day:
- If you are not of African descent, you might want to start here in order to learn more about Kwanzaa from the founder himself.
- Buy black to support the principle of cooperative economics.
- Listen (and sing along) to the rousing song, “‘7’ The Kwanzaa Song” sung by the Kwanzaa Gospel Chorus.
- Learn some ways to practice Kwanzaa’s principles with this contemporary hip hop song for kids and families.
