Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and head of African Studies at California State University, Long Beach, founded Kwanzaa as an African-American holiday in 1966.
Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1.
Karenga’s initial idea was to offer Black Americans a time to reflect on Africa’s cultural history and values as an alternative to Christmas.
Karenga took inspiration for the seven “Nguzo Saba,” or principles of African ancestry, from various African harvest celebrations, Black Nationalist philosophy, and other cultural influences. Each of these ideas has its own tangible sign, one for each day of Kwanzaa.
The Black community has struggled to build a cultural identity, so if you’re wondering whether to celebrate Kwanzaa, dedicating a few days of the year to African history and fostering a feeling of belonging to the past may be beneficial.
Christmas and Kwanzaa May Both Be Celebrated
Christmas and Kwanzaa are not incompatible.
Karenga envisioned Kwanzaa as a nonreligious festival for African-American families to gather and commemorate their ancestors. So you may have a Merry Christmas as well as a Happy Kwanzaa.
It’s OK to Be Eager About the Feast
If you didn’t like your Christmas feast, Kwanzaa gives you a second chance.
On December 31, Kwanzaa celebrants gather for a pan-African feast known as Karamu Ya Imani (Feast of Faith), with everything from Ghanaian stew and jollof rice to jerk chicken, catfish, and collard greens. It generally consists of many phases, including a greeting, memory, celebrating, and departure.
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A Worldwide Celebration?
Kwanzaa is a holiday where every day has a concept, and you light a candle in your family house. Then you’re expected to hold a great feast with the whole family and community.
Now that Juneteenth (June 19) is a federal holiday — one with particular meaning for Blacks, but one that all people are