Celebrating Kwanzaa

At Sacred Heart Academy we are focused to grow from learners to leaders. Part of becoming leaders is learning about other cultures throughout the world. From December 26 to January 1, up to five percent of Americans will be celebrating Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a time for gift giving and communal meals in celebration of African American history. While the majority of Sacred Heart students will be celebrating Christmas and New Years during this time, it is important to learn about what other cultures have planned.

Kwanzaa began in 1966, when Maulana Karenga, an African American author, activist and professor created it. Karenga stated Kwanzaa’s goal is to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history.” Karenga was inspired to start the holiday after the Watt riot in Los Angeles. The Watt riot was a six day riot in Los Angeles in 1965. The violence was racially fueled and there were 34 fatalities. Kwanzaa is symbolic of the African harvest, and Karenga closely studied traditions from the Ashanti and Zulu tribes. Although Kwanzaa was founded because of violent events, the celebration itself is far from violent.

Although Kwanzaa was founded because of violent events, the celebration itself is far from violent. A typical Kwanzaa celebration consists of colorful African cloth, fresh fruits and art. Some participate in Kwanzaa ceremonies, which include music, a reading of the African Pledge and Principles of Blackness, a candle lighting, an artistic performance, and a meal. People celebrating Kwanzaa may have a Kinara, or a candle holder that signifies African American roots. Many African Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa also celebrate Christmas. The Kinaras are typically placed beside the Christmas Trees. Senior Caitlyn Zaring said, “Kwanzaa is a great holiday to celebrate, and it’s a nice way to keep our African traditions alive.”

Kwanzaa is one week long and each of the seven nights have a different theme. The themes are unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. One candle is lit each night, and the themes of the day are discussed as a group.

Kwanzaa is mainly an American holiday, but some Canadians are starting to celebrate it as well.

Although Kwanzaa is not a widely celebrated holiday at Sacred Heart, African Americans around the country anticipate the celebration all year. Joyous Kwanzaa!