Kwanzaa began in 1966.

Quick scoop

  • Kwanzaa was created and first celebrated in December 1966 in the United States.
  • It was founded by Maulana Karenga, an activist and professor of African American studies.
  • The holiday was developed in the context of the 1960s Black Power era, shortly after the Watts uprising in Los Angeles.

What Kwanzaa marks

  • Kwanzaa is a weeklong cultural holiday observed each year from December 26 to January 1.
  • It is rooted in African first-fruits harvest festivals and celebrates African American and Pan-African heritage and community values.

TL;DR: Kwanzaa started in 1966 as a cultural holiday celebrating African American and Pan-African heritage, created by Maulana Karenga in the United States.

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