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Happy Kwanzaa! For almost 60 years, December 26-January 1st has been set apart to celebrate African heritage, unity, and culture. It was created by an American activist named Maulana Karenga to encourage pride within the Black community during the Civil Rights Movement. The holiday is inspired by various African harvest festival traditions. The holiday encourages people to honor seven principles: unity, self-determination (helping yourself succeed), collective work and responsibility (teamwork), cooperative economics (sharing), purpose, creativity, and faith (Celebrating Kwanzaa). 

During Kwanzaa, families place a traditional woven mat, called a mkeka, on tables. Each day, a candle that represents one of the seven principles is lit. The kinara holds one black (unity), three red (the past), and three green candles (the future). Even though Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, the big celebration is on the 6th day (December 31). Family and friends gather in African-style clothing and have a large feast, called karamu. There is also singing, dancing, and music playing!

Below are some of our resources for children and families to learn more about Kwanzaa and African American culture!