Dwain Northey (Gen X)

Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates African heritage, community, and shared values among people of African descent, particularly in the United States. It is not a religious holiday, but a time set aside for reflection, learning, and reaffirming cultural identity. Kwanzaa emphasizes unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, and creativity—values intended to strengthen families and communities and to connect present generations with the traditions of Africa.

The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the aftermath of the civil rights movement, a period when many African Americans were seeking ways to reclaim cultural pride and rebuild community after centuries of enslavement, segregation, and systemic discrimination. Karenga envisioned Kwanzaa as a unifying celebration that would honor African history and philosophy while encouraging people to apply those lessons to everyday life. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa highlights one of the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, which include unity (Umoja), purpose (Nia), and faith (Imani).

Kwanzaa is celebrated annually from December 26 through January 1. It was intentionally placed at the end of December to align with traditional African harvest festivals, which celebrated abundance, gratitude, and communal responsibility. Families mark the holiday through candle lighting, storytelling, music, shared meals, and the exchange of meaningful gifts that emphasize learning and cultural heritage.

Although first observed in 1966, Kwanzaa became more widely recognized in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s as schools, cultural institutions, and communities embraced multicultural education and inclusivity. Today, Kwanzaa is recognized each December as an important cultural observance, offering an opportunity not only to celebrate African American heritage, but also to reflect on universal values of cooperation, dignity, and shared responsibility that resonate far beyond the holiday itself.