"Lets Learn to Practice the
Principles of Kwanzaa All Year"
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Kwanzaa or Kwanza FAQ's
What is Kwanzaa or Kwanza?
Kwanzaa is an American adoption of the African Holidays
of the Feast of the "first fruits" or harvests. In parts
of Africa it is known as Kwanza. Dr. Ron Karenga developed
Kwanzaa from the earlier Kwanza concept and added
another a to give the American holiday its uniqueness.
How many people celebrate Kwanzaa or Kwanza worldwide?
It is estimated that Kwanzaa the American derivative of
Kwanza is celebrated by over 10 million Black people throughout
the African Diaspora.
Is Kwanzaa or Kwanza a Black form or replacement for Christmas?
Kwanzaa or Kwanza wasn't started by Dr. Ron Karenga,
to replace the Christmas holiday, which should be a religious holiday
with deep spiritual significance.
Kwanzaa and Kwanza are instead cultural holidays
to bring unity and reflection for people of African Descent. Kwanzaa
can actually be an enhancement for those of use who practice Christianity.
For example we could leave Christmas as a day to focus
on the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ, and Kwanzaa
(sometimes called Kwanza) to focus on our cultural heritage
and give gifts. This practice would actually save Christmas from
today's commercialism.
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Kwanzaa
and the Original
African Holiday Concept Kwanza
Kwanzaa,
the African American Holiday was Founded by Black intellectual and activist
Ron Karenga. Kwanzaa, was first celebrated on December 26, 1966.
Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated from December 26 through January 1,
with each day focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. Derived
from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first
fruits", Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced
in various cultures in Africa. In some parts of Africa original harvest
festivals were called Kwanza. Dr. Karenga added an extra "a"
to the Holiday to distinguish the African American Holiday from the African
Festivals.
Kwanzaa
seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide
a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon
the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles, that have sustained Africans.
Africans and African-Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds
practice Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa was born out of the whirlwind
of social and political changes of the sixties decade. The sixties represent
one of many eras during which the African and African-American struggle
for freedom and self-identity reached its historical peak, spawning multiple
revolutionary movements.
By creating
Kwanzaa, African-Americans sought to rectify the cultural and economic
exploitation perpetrated against us during the months of October, November,
and December (the Christmas season). During this season, corporate America
typically ignored the quality of life concerns of African-Americans, yet
encouraged participation in the commercialism of Christmas. Additionally,
African-Americans did not observe a holiday that was specific to our needs.
A review of the major holidays celebrated in the United States would reveal
that not one related specifically to the growth and development of African-Americans.
The
development of Kwanzaa assumed a reassessment, reclaiming, recommitment,
remembrance, retrieval, resumption, resurrection, and rejuvenation of
the "Way of Life" principles recognized by African-Americans.
These principles have strengthened African-Americans during our worldwide
sojourn. Today, Kwanzaa is recognized by millions throughout America and
the world. It is celebrated often in community settings provided by homes,
churches, mosques, temples, community centers, schools, and places of
work. Kwanzaa allows us to celebrate the season without shame or
fear of embracing our history, our culture, and ourselves.
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