The First Day of Kwanzaa

The secular holiday celebrating African American culture is observed primarily in the U.S. from December 26 to January 1.
Who celebrates Kwanzaa?
Millions of African Americans and other members of the African diaspora gather with family and friends each year to celebrate the holiday, which has its roots in African harvest festivals.
How is it observed?
On each day, family and friends come together to light one of the candles in the kinara, or candleholder, and to reflect on one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. On the first day the principle is unity (umoja).
How was Kwanzaa popularized?
Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa grew in popularity with the rise of the Afrocentrist movement, which focused on Black self-sufficiency.
Image: © Sue Barr—Image Source/Getty Images

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