Today marks the first night of Kwanzaa – a weeklong celebration of African culture + tradition.
What does Kwanzaa mean?
💚 Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which is Swahili for “first fruits.”
How did the celebration of Kwanzaa begin?
❤️ Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and Chairman of Black Studies at California State University, in response to the Watts riots in Los Angeles, C.A. and to celebrate unity + community in African culture.
🖤 Dr. Karenga combined several different aspects from various African “first fruit” (or harvest) celebrations to form Kwanzaa.
Let us know of any Kwanzaa celebrations or traditions in GVL.
