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Joyous Kwanzaa!

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Today marks the first day of the seven-day long holiday, Kwanzaa!

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a philosopher and activist, who wanted there to be a holiday specifically designed for African-Americans and African-Canadians as well as those in the African Diaspora. He is quoted as saying that he wanted to “give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”

Kwanzaa consists of seven principles determined by Karenga: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility),Ujamaa(Co-operative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Kwanzaa was initially intended to replace Christmas, but today many people who celebrate Kwanzaa also celebrate Christmas.
  • The name is from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza which means “first fruits of the harvest.”
  • Celebrations include feasts, music, dancing and many staples of African culture such as art, fashion and history.
  • The greeting for each day of Kwanzaa is Habari Gani? which means “What’s the news?”

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