Grade 6, Spotlight on Celebrations, Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that was created by a person named Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 and first celebrated in that year. The holiday was born during the Civil Rights era, when African Americans and others fought for equal rights for all Americans, but especially African Americans themselves.

Kwanzaa is celebrated during the seven days after Christmas-December 26 to January 1. Dr. Karenga created the holiday to give African Americans a holiday that celebrates their own unique heritage and culture. Millions of Africans and African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa every year.

To learn more about the history and traditions of Kwanzaa, visit the Web site listed below.

Official Kwanzaa Web Site

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