Kwanzaa

Maulana Karenga, Architect of Kwanzaa

Maulana Karenga, who, as of 2012, was a professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, trained as a researcher in political science, social ethics, and African studies at Los Angeles City College; the University of California, Los Angeles; Alliant International University; and the University of Southern California, beginning in the late 1950s. The writings, speeches, and philosophy of Malcolm X were significant influences on Karenga. During the 1960s and 1970s, Karenga was a significant actor in the Black Power and Pan-Africanist movements. Along with Hakim Jamal, he founded the black nationalist group Organization Us, which was a rival organization of the Black Panther Party.

The Origins of Kwanzaa

Karenga constituted Kwanzaa to facilitate African American engagement with African culture on a broad, communal level. Kwanzaa itself was an outgrowth of the Black Power movement. It first was celebrated during the winter of 1966 to 1967, and Karenga articulated that the holiday was an alternative to Christmas, as he viewed Christianity as being hostile to African Americans. He selected the name of the holiday from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits of the harvest.” Swahili was chosen because of its status as a lingua franca in east Africa, where it is spoken by more than 60 million people across ethnic and national lines.

The creator of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga (center), celebrates the holiday at the Rochester Institute of Technology In Rochester, New York, In December 2003. The celebration honors African heritage In African American culture. It Is observed between December 26 and January I, culminating in a feast and gift giving. Karenga's goal in creating Kwanzaa was to give African Americans an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history rather than simply imitate the practice of a dominant society.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is centered on Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles of African Heritage: Umoja, or unity; Kujichagulia, or self-determination; Ujima, or [Page 1314]collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, or cooperative economics; Nia, or purpose; Kuumba, or creativity; and Imani, or faith. Each principle corresponds to one of the seven days of the festival. Furthermore, the principles are embodied physically in effigies known as the Seven Symbols: Mazao, or the crops; Mkeka, or the decorate mat; Vibunzi, or the ear of corn; Mishumaa Saba, or the seven candles; Kinara, or the candleholder; Kikombe Cha Umoja, or the unity cup; and Zawadi, or gifts. The traditional greetings for the holiday are “Joyous Kwanzaa” and Habari Gani?, which roughly translates as “What's the news?”

The Practice of Kwanzaa

During observances, men typically wear shirts called dashikis and caps known as kufis. Women often wear dresses known as kaftans, along with headdresses. Drumming, singing, dancing, recitations of poetry, and reflections on African and African American history are regular facets of many Kwanzaa celebrations. By the holiday's very design, all community members are encouraged to participate in Kwanzaa celebrations. Children, adults, and the elderly pay homage to their ancestors and heritage. During each of the seven nights, one candle is lit. In the process of Kikombe cha Umoja, libations are taken by everyone present through a shared cup. Kwanzaa's end is recognized each year with a large, communal meal.

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