Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African heritage that includes daily rituals and culminates with a feast. The holiday was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, who wanted to create an annual holiday celebrating black heritage in America. Its name is derived from the Swahili word “kujichagulia” which means “self-determination.”
During the weeklong celebration, seven candles — three red, one black and three green — are lit to represent elements of African culture including unity and struggle.Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African heritage that includes daily rituals and culminates with a feast.
Kwanzaa Celebration Posted Online By Biden
The holiday was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966, who wanted to create an annual holiday celebrating black heritage in America. Its name is derived from the Swahili word “kujichagulia” which means “self-determination.” During the weeklong celebration, seven candles — three red, one black and three green — are lit to represent elements of African culture including unity and struggle.
The White House has always shown a commitment to celebrating diversity. President Obama celebrated Kwanzaa in 2009 with a series of events that included an African-American art exhibition and a celebration hosted by Blair Underwood. In 2010, he hosted another event at the White House with former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And in 2011, President Obama’s first year as president, he issued a holiday proclamation for the occasion of Kwanzaa which was signed by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Hillary Clinton.
