Kwanzaa is a celebration of life that runs from December 26 to January 1. It’s important to note that it is NOT “African Christmas”. Dr. Maulana Karenga is responsible for bringing this festival to life in 1966 as an act of cultural recovery and reconstruction.
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but a cultural one with an inherent spiritual quality as with all major African celebrations. This inherent spiritual quality is respect for the Transcendent, the Sacred, the Good, the Right. Thus, Africans of all faiths can and do celebrate Kwanzaa, i.e., Muslims, Christians, Black Hebrews, Jews, Buddhists, Bahai and Hindus as well as those who follow the ancient traditions of Maat, Yoruba, Ashanti, Dogon, etc. For what Kwanzaa offers is not an alternative to their religion or faith but a common ground of African culture which they all share and cherish.
Official Kwanzaa Website
You don’t need to be Black to celebrate or learn about Kwanzaa, but if you aren’t Black you do need to be mindful of how you’re participating; follow along where ok, do not lead. It’s imperative to learn about the history of other cultures, but not cool to appropriate them for your own use.
Take a few minutes to visit the Official Kwanzaa Website to learn about the principles and traditions of Kwanzaa, and to appreciate all of the work that Dr. Karenga has done over the years.
Wishing you warmth and togetherness, and a Kwanzaa filled with joy, prosperity, and love.
Sources:
Official Kwanzaa Website