Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is above all a cultural choice as distinct from a religious one - Maulana Karenga
image by: Askar Abayev
HWN Recommends
Celebrating Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa has always been about the celebration of values that transcend through racial boundaries. The seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work/responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith; find purchase in the mind and hearts of everyone. These principles reinforce the concept of community – in a community – not just African-American ones.
Resources
How To Celebrate Kwanzaa In 2022: Traditional And Modern Ways To Make The Holiday Special
One way Kwanzaa puts identity at the forefront of its celebration is through the honoring and remembering of ancestors. The African belief is that as long as those who came before are remembered amongst the living, they are present today. Ancestors are also seen as spirit guides and forces that will intervene when needed.
What Kwanzaa means for Black Americans
It is a time of communal self-affirmation – when famous Black heroes and heroines, as well as late family members – are celebrated. As a scholar who has written about racially motivated violence against Blacks, directed Black cultural centers on college campuses and sponsored numerous Kwanzaa celebrations, I understand the importance of this holiday.
Explaining Kwanzaa's Traditions, History and Principles
This week-long celebration of African culture is full of meaningful symbols and rituals.
Here's How to Celebrate Kwanzaa...
Ain’t no party like a Kwanzaa party, ’cause a Kwanzaa party is literally seven days long.
Kwanzaa: What It Really Is And How & Why It’s Celebrated
Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the black nationalist movement of the 1960s and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of African traditions and Nguzo Saba, the “seven principles of African Heritage” which Karenga said “is a communitarian African philosophy”. Karenga believed and stated that “you must have a cultural revolution before the violent revolution. The cultural revolution gives identity, purpose and direction.”
The spiritual dimension of Kwanzaa
As a value-based holiday, Kwanzaa draws from the “First Fruits” celebrations in traditional African societies. In these societies, at the end of the year, the community came together to give thanks for a healthy and prosperous life, the well-being of the family and to honor the accomplishments of the community and to make a commitment to practicing the life affirming values and the Way of the community.
Top 10 Misconceptions About Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a celebration of culture and universal truths that transcend religious boundaries. While one could assert that there is a spiritual content attached to Kwanzaa, the celebration itself is not associated with any organized religion or deity worship.
What is Kwanzaa and how is it celebrated?
Kwanzaa is a holiday and those who celebrate do so each December, from the 26th to January 1st. However, it may be surprising to know that Kwanzaa was only recently came about in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga; Professor and Chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. It was created during a time of social uprisings against racism, and was to re-establish community and to enlighten African Americans of their African culture.
What Is Kwanzaa? Learn the History and Traditions of the Holiday Celebrating African Culture
During Kwanzaa, celebrants honor the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, of their culture: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Celebrating Kwanzaa
If you’re looking for a great holiday celebration to supplement or replace existing traditions, Kwanzaa is the ideal commemoration of family bonds, community, and meaningful values. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is a non-religious, Pan-African and African-American holiday that means “first fruits” in Swahili. It was first celebrated during the turbulent 1960s to develop cultural awareness and unity in the African-American community,
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.