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History of Kwanzaa
You may be surprised to learn that the modern holiday of Kwanzaa is a relatively new creation, though it has its roots in traditions that go back generations.

First celebrated in 1966, Kwanzaa is the brainchild of Dr. Maulana Karenga—an African American author, professor, and activist—to nurture the community and cultural spirit of African Americans. While created with the traditional African harvest festivals in mind, Kwanzaa itself is uniquely North American, celebrated mainly in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

While the holiday is focused on the African American community, all people are invited to celebrate and learn about the values of Kwanzaa and African American culture.