Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966. 21st century estimates of how many Americans celebrate Kwanzaa are varied, from as few as a half a million to as many as 12 million.
A display of Kwanzaa symbols with fruit and vegetables
2019 public kinara in New York City
A woman lighting candles for Kwanzaa.The Black candle in the middle represents unity, the three green candles on the right represent earth and the three red candles on the left represent the struggle of African Americans, or the shedding of blood.
A 2003 Kwanzaa celebration with Kwanzaa founder Maulana Karenga at the center, and others
Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga, previously known as Ron Karenga, is an American activist, author and professor of Africana studies, best known as the creator of the pan-African and African-American holiday of Kwanzaa.
Karenga, center, with wife Tiamoyo at left, celebrating Kwanzaa at the Rochester Institute of Technology on December 12, 2003.
Karenga during his 1971 trial
