Why is celebrating Kwanzaa important for African American children?
It gives them an opportunity to celebrate with people who look like them. It provides children the closeness that a community can provide and encourages bonding that should take place in all families. • Was Kwanzaa originally celebrated only in America? Do most African Americans now celebrate Kwanzaa? Yes, Kwanzaa is an original African American invention that has spread by word of mouth. People recognized the need for family bonding, ties of kinship, the need for strengthening relationships. This need contributed to Kwanzaa taking root in communities all over the country. I would say about 85% of African Americans celebrates Kwanzaa and 100% know about it. • Are other countries adopting the celebration? Yes, Africans live all over the world and the roots of the holiday, which are based in ancestor worship and the binding together of extended families, speak to Africans on every continent. • You’ve written three Kwanzaa books: Kwanzaa, My First Kwanzaa Book, and A Very Special Kwanzaa,
