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I Celebrate Kwanzaa. Do You?
The Black cultural tradition lives on and here’s why I decided to bring it into my home and introduce it to my daughter
Kwanzaa turned 50 the same year my daughter had her first birthday. In commemoration, our local library held a read-aloud for families with small children. Storytime was a humble start, but this was a welcome opportunity to learn more about Kwanzaa.
“Habari gani?” the librarian said to a handful of fidgety toddlers.
As jubilation filled the room, I took a quick inventory of the number of people who had come to learn about this Black holiday. Noticing that we were one of only three families in attendance gave me pause. Is Kwanzaa losing its popularity? I quickly put that thought aside. Though it was the only public observation nearby and despite low attendance, we were still very excited to be there. After all, neither myself nor my spouse (a first-generation Nigerian American) grew up observing Kwanzaa.
Noticing that we were one of only three families in attendance gave me pause. Is Kwanzaa losing its popularity?
In fact, I only first learned about the seven-day celebration in high school when my teacher invited me to participate in the after-school collective, Umoja. To help amplify their mission of “operational unity,” Umoja held a celebratory program each year before the holiday break. Informational in nature, the group showed other students how to celebrate, while highlighting the greater importance of embracing Kwanzaa’s values beyond the holiday. Initially, I was eager to participate, but I eventually stopped attending meetings. Truth is, I lost interest when family ignored exuberant requests to honor the tradition at home.
It wasn’t until many years later, when I became a mother, that I began to seriously think about Kwanzaa again.
Founded in 1966 by author and activist Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a week-long festival that honors African heritage and celebrates Blackness. Observed annually from December 26–January 1, its premise is firmly rooted in family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa [kwahn-zuh] has seven core principles, or Nguzo Saba: Umoja…
