The holiday, which was founded in the 1960’s, will conclude on New Year’s Day – January 1.   Christmas and Hanukkah may be over, but the holidays aren’t. The 7-day holiday, Kwanzaa, begins Friday. The African-American holiday is a celebration of family, community and culture. Each day is dedicated to one of the principles […]

  A brief history of the holiday is also included along why black, red and green are the colors chosen.   Though many Americans don’t know much about Kwanzaa, it’s a beautiful holiday that all can share in. Dates Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1st. History Established by Maulana Karenga in 1966, […]

  In 1966 Dr Maulana Karenga created an Afro-American holiday designed to honor African heritage and tradition called Kwanzaa. The week long celebration is observed between December 26th and January 1st and incorporates seven principles called the Nguzo saba. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, “meaning first fruits of […]

I graduated from California State University Long Beach where the founder and creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karanga, taught African American studies.  At that time, I didn’t have great knowledge of the significance of the holiday but I saw its impact.  As people pledged Black Greek letter organizations, many of the line member adopted the […]

“In a time in which occupation and oppression of countries and peoples are immorally presented as necessary and even salvational, the principle of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) rejects this and reaffirms the right of persons and peoples to determine their own destiny and daily lives; to live in peace and security; and to flourish in freedom everywhere.” […]

The Founder’s Welcome Dr. Maulana Karenga As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the […]