5 facts about Kwanzaa

kwanzaa

Here are five facts you should know about the cultural holiday and weeklong celebration known as Kwanzaa. 

The meaning of the name:


Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits” or “fruits of harvest.”

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The founder:


Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of Africana studies at California State University, established Kwanzaa as a holiday in 1966 to honor family, community and African American and Pan-African culture.

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When is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is commemorated during a weeklong celebration from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

Kwanzaa card

The number seven:

Kwanzaa, spelled with seven letters and celebrated over seven days, includes seven symbols and seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Seven candles representing each of the seven principles are lit daily and are the traditional colors of Africa — red, black and green.

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Who celebrates Kwanzaa?

Originally created as an African American and Pan-African holiday, Kwanzaa is celebrated globally by millions of people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Celebrities, including mogul and humanitarian Oprah Winfrey, actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, hip-hop icon Chuck D and NFL legend Jim Brown commemorate the holiday.

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