Kwanzaa, started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Kerenga, is a week-long (December 26th to January 1st) celebration of African heritage and culture. Started as a way to remove cultural-disconnect, many people of African descent all over the world now celebrate Kwanzaa as a time for family, community, and African joy. The holiday gets its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning ‘first fruits,’ for the holiday’s original association with harvest. Despite not being religious, the celebrations seven days follow the seven core principles of Nguzo Saba: “ Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).” Families that celebrate this holiday typically do so with feasts, shared stories, and lighting kinara candle holders.
Sources
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/kwanzaa
