Kwanzaa is a Pan-African festival family, community, and culture. It occurs yearly on December twenty sixth and lasts to January first. It was created by RonKarenga in 1966, while residing in California. "Matunda ya kwanza" is Swahili, meaning "first fruits", from which Kwanzaa gets its name.
Let it be noted that Kwanzaa is a holiday of a culture and not that of a religion.
Kwanzaa was established during the civil rights period as a means to aid African Americans reconnect with their cultural heritage. It also served as a means to reinforce the bonds of Africans as a people. The authoritative keeper of Kwanzaa's traditions is "The Organization Us".


There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba. The principles are as follows:
Umoja > Unity
Kujichagulia > Self-Determination
Ujima > Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa > Cooperative Economics
Nia > Purpose
Kuumba > Creativity
Imani > Faith



The Mkeka (mat) is sat atop a table covered with an African cloth. The upon the mkeka is the kinara (candle holder) and the rest of the cultural symbols as well. Inside the kinara three green candles on the left, one black (taller than the rest) in the center, and three red on the right are placed. Each candle represents a principle of Kwanzaa. One candle is lit each night. Starting with the black candle, which represents Umoja. From then on green and red are lit alternatively. On the last day of Kwanzaa children receive a present. The last day of Kwanzaa is also a time for the African people to soberly and humbly meditate

The Colors
Black- Color of the African race
Red- The struggle of their ancestors
Green- Hope of the future that derives from the struggling








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