Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held from December 26 to January 1, honoring African heritage and tradition. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African research at California State College, Lengthy Seaside. The title Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which suggests “first fruits.”
Kwanzaa is a time for households and communities to come back collectively and rejoice their African heritage. It’s a time to mirror on the previous, current, and future, and to recommit to the values of household, group, and self-reliance. The celebration consists of a wide range of actions, similar to storytelling, singing, dancing, and feasting.
