Millions throughout the world’s African community are starting Kwanzaa’s week-long celebration.
Kwanzaa is a time of communal self-affirmation that celebrates the Black heroes and heroines with food decoration, cultural objects, and the light of the kinara.
Why is Kwanzaa important?
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a Black American scholar, and activist.
The name derives from “matunda ya kwanka” which means “first fruits.”
Kwanzaa celebrates the seven basic values of the African culture. Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Kwanzaa’s creation happened during the Watts riots. When violence broke out after Marquette Frye, a young African American motorist was pulled over and arrested by Lee W. Minikus, a white California Highway Patrolman, for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Kwanzaa is a celebration to promote the Black culture heritage.