Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration of community, family, and culture. Kwanzaa colours are representatives of unity for the peoples of African descent worldwide. Black is for the people, red for the noble blood that unites people of African descent, and green for the rich land of Africa.
Research Articles
1. Kwanzaa and the commodification of black culture
Commodification, in other words, is like embalming or mummifying a living thing. Black culture commodified similarly loses its organic edge--its authenticity, its purity, its originality, its spontaneity, its vibrancy, and most importantly its rootedness.
2. Kwanzaa: The making of a black nationalist tradition, 1966-1990
Kwanzaa, a seven-day festival which begins on Dec 26, is one of the most lasting innovations of US black nationalism of the 1960s. Kwanzaa is designed to resemble the ritual at an African harvest festival.
3. Kwanzaa: The emergence of an African-American holiday
The individual and communal factors behind the creation of the "new" African-American holiday are explored.
The issue of instituting a formal Kwanzaa celebration period in the US is addressed in detail. The event is a 7-day period where families of color come together to affirm their African-ness.
In this book Keith A. Mayes defines Kwanzaa as “a hodgepodge of indigenous African practices placed inside a black American ritual framework” (p. 82). The “hodgepodge” origins of the Black Power holiday, which was invented by black cultural nationalist Maulana Karenga in December 1966, makes the phenomenal success of the seven‐day tradition all the more astonishing.
Books in the Library - Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa by ISBN: 9780415998550Publication Date: 2009-08-11Since 1966, Kwanzaa has been celebrated as a black holiday tradition - an annual recognition of cultural pride in the African American community. But how did this holiday originate, and what is its broader cultural significance? Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition explores the political beginning and later expansion of Kwanzaa, from its start as a Black Power holiday, to its current place as one of the most mainstream of the black holiday traditions. For those wanting to learn more about this alternative observance practiced by countless African Americans and how Kwanzaa fits into the larger black holiday tradition, Keith A. Mayes gives an accessible and definitive account of the movements and individuals that pushed to make this annual celebration a reality, and shows how African-Americans brought the black freedom struggle to the American calendar. Clear and thoughtful, Kwanzaa is the perfect introduction to what is now the quintessential African American holiday.
Kwanzaa by ISBN: 9780531272046Publication Date: 2013-09-01An introduction to the traditions, festivities, and history of Kwanzaa for the youngest readers. This fact-filled Rookie Read-About Holiday book introduces the youngest readers (Ages 3-6) to the traditions, festivities, and history of Kwanzaa. Colorful photos and very simple nonfiction text encourage children to read on their own as they take an in-depth look at this joyous African-American holiday.
The Story of Kwanzaa by ISBN: 9780060248185Publication Date: 1996-10-03It's time for Kwanzaa! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. The holiday fun continues with activities at the end of the book, including making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes.
Kwanzaa Crafts by ISBN: 9780531157350Publication Date: 1996-09-01
Kwanzaa by ISBN: 9780936073156
