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Kwanzaa, or Kwanza, is an African American holiday started by Maulana Ron Karenga during the 1960s. Karenga, a black nationalist who is also known by the Swahili title of "Maulana," or master-teacher, is the founder of the Kawaida movement, which stressed seven "principles of blackness." Kwanzaa is an East African word which means "first fruits." The name refers to the celebration of the harvest of the first crops in traditional African society. The nonreligious holiday is meant to be an opportunity for African American families and communities to join together to reaffirm the values expressed by the seven principles. Each day of Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December 26 to January 1, has a particular meaning. They are known as the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles):
Source: The African American Encyclopedia, Marshall Cavendish , New York, 1993. Volume 4, pp.939-940. (JR 973.04 Af)
Verified by: GM, 7/98
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While the Library has verified the information presented in these files in what it considers to be reliable and authoritative sources, it cannot take responsibility for nor guarantee the accuracy of the information presented.