What is the meaning of the word Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa means “the first” or “the first fruits of the harvest”, in the East African language of Kiswahili. When was Kwanzaa first established as an African Holiday? Dr Maulana “Ron” Karenga a Black Studies Professor who describes himself as a cultural nationalist founded Kwanzaa in 1966. Kwanzaa originated as a cultural idea and an expression of the nationalist US organisation which was headed by Dr Karenga. Dr Karenga’s research stemmed from African harvest ceremonies “First Fruits” celebrations. The harvest festival was a means of rewarding tribe members for their teamwork during the year. Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday? Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday; it is an African spiritual and cultural event. What is Kwanzaa based on? Kwanzaa is based on seven fundamental principles, which are referred to as the Nguzo Saba What are those principles? Umoja (U-mo-ja) meaning Unity, Kujichagulia (Ku-ji-cha-gu-lia) meaning Self-determination Ujima (U-ji-ma) meaning Collective work and responsib
