What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, celebrated annually from December 26 to January 1, is a week-long observance that honors African American culture and heritage. Established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist, Kwanzaa was created to provide African Americans with a celebration rooted in their cultural traditions. Karenga described the holiday as an opportunity for Black people to "celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."
The name "Kwanzaa" originates from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits," reflecting its connection to traditional African harvest festivals. Central to the holiday are the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. These principles guide daily reflections, discussions, and activities during the holiday.
Each evening, families light candles on a kinara, with each candle symbolizing one of the Seven Principles. Celebrations often include music, dance, poetry, storytelling, and a communal feast called Karamu, held on December 31. This tradition fosters a sense of community and underscores the holiday’s focus on cultural affirmation and self-determination.
Over the decades, Kwanzaa has grown in popularity, with millions of people in the United States and beyond taking part in the festivities. For many, it serves as a time to honor their heritage, celebrate their identity, and envision a future grounded in unity and purpose. As Karenga emphasized, Kwanzaa was never intended to replace religious holidays but rather to complement them, providing a unique space for cultural reflection and celebration.
As Dorothy Winbush Riley, a celebrated author, once noted, "Kwanzaa is a special time to remember the ancestors, the bridge builders, and the leaders." This sentiment captures the essence of the holiday—a time of remembrance, gratitude, and hope for what lies ahead.
AP News, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, National Museum of African American History and Culture.
