Celebrating Kwanzaa In the aftermath of the tragic Watts riots, a Southern California University professor named Dr. Maulana Karenega came up with the idea of creating a non-religious holiday that might unify the African-American community and celebrate important principles. His brainchild, called Kwanzaa, survives and thrives to this day, and is an important year-end tradition for families all over our nation.
Itibari M. Zulu is director of the Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies Library & Media Center at UCLA. He is also vice president of the African Diaspora Foundation, provost of instruction and curriculum at Amen-Ra Theological Seminary, the author-editor of four books, and the African & African American editor for MultiCultural Review magazine. Here he offers a quick look at the history and traditions of Kwanzaa:
- It started in 1966.
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday and the first annual celebration in traditional African culture. The holiday began in Los Angeles in 1966 and is based on African principles and philosophy.
- The last week of the year.
The holiday lasts for seven days, from December 26th through January first, and each day is dedicated to celebrating a specific principle, from unity to faith.
- Seven candles.
One important Kwanzaa tradition is to light the seven candles in the Kinara, or candleholder. Each candle represents one of the seven principles, and one candle is lit for each night.
- Good works and gifts.
Kids, of course, are interested in Kwanzaa gifts. Gifts are given based on what a child has contributed to the community. Children can participate in activities including can be cleaning up a neighborhood's sidewalks or helping the homeless, and doing these positive things makes them worthy of recognition at Kwanzaa.
- A focus on children.
It is important that Kwanzaa focuses on children because they will pass on the traditions and history to the next generation. Kwanzaa gives an identity, a purpose, and a direction for families and the worldwide community.
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