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Kwanzaa is a Swahili word meaning "first fruit". Swahili is a language from East Africa. Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that honors African American people and their past. It is a seven day celebration that starts on December 26th and goes until January 1st. It is a holiday that is observed by the African communities throughout the world to celebrate family, culture and community. It roots are from the African first-fruit harvest celebration from which it got its name. The celebration of Kwanzaa as we know it began in 1966. It was created by an African American scholar Maulana Karenga.

The holiday is represented by the African red, green and black. Green stands for hope and the color of the motherland, Africa. Red stands for the blood that has been shed and black symbolizes the face of the African American people. Kwanzaa is like other African first fruit celebrations based around five fundamental activities. One is the ingathering of family, friends and community; two is the giving thanks for the creator and his creations. Then there is honoring our ancestors, acknowledgement of our highest cultural ideals such as truth and respect for people and nature. The last one is celebration of life and the struggles, achievements and family, culture and community.

There are seven principles of Kwanzaa. The first is umoja which stands for unity; the second is kujichagulia which is for self-determination; the third is ujima, collective work and responsibility; ujamaa cooperative economics; nia, purpose; kuumba, creativity; and imani, faith.

Kwanzaa is celebrated by dancing, singing, story telling and feasting. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Kwanzaa; therefore you will find many variations of the practices of Kwanzaa. It is important to uphold the spirit of Kwanzaa for which it was intended.

The feast is held on the eve of the last day, December 31st. It is a feast where everyone is welcomed. It is a feast where everyone brings food to share no matter how little. Gifts are given between parents and children and gifts are also given between people who share special feelings. The gifts do not cost a lot and are often hand made.

Kwanzaa is a celebration with our children in mind. It is a time to reflect on the study of African and the rich history of the African American people. It is truly a holiday especially for children; it is a time of celebration.

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