Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 as the first specifically African American holiday by Maulana Karenga. It gives African Americans an alternative holiday and opportunity to celebrate ourselves and history, rather than simply imitating the practice of the dominant society.

The name Kwanzaa has its origins in the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” that means “first fruits”. The celebration of Kwanzaa with family is done in a variety of ways from storytelling, African drums, poetry, and a traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (which is the candleholder), then one of the seven principles is