Kwanzaa--First Fruits

Kwanzaa, which literally means First Fruits (Swahili) is an African American celebration designed to share the fruits of the harvest with the home. The celebration lasts for seven nights it begins on December 26th and ends on Jan 1st. Seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba are celebrated. These principles include Umoja (Unity); Kuijichaguila (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity); Imani (Faith); The celebration was introduced in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.

Origins and Meaning

Kwanzaa celebrates African American heritage. Here’s how it came to be—and what it means today (National Geographic, 12/23/2020)

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/reference/holidays/kwanzaa-history-traditions-information/

Kwanzaa’s Principles and Traditions (New York Times, 12/21/2020)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/21/dining/kwanzaa-seven-principles.html

New Orleans

Learn about the Kwanzaa Tradition in New Orleans through library program (Nola.com, 12/10/2020)

https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/article_de13a454-39a8-11eb-ba32-7fd07228aa09.html

Chicago

Kwanza in Quarantine-Celebrating in a Pandemic (Chicago Defender, 12/11/2020)

https://chicagodefender.com/kwanzaa-in-quarantine-celebrating-in-a-pandemic/

Detroit

Charles H. Wright museum in Detroit to virtually present The 7 Principles of Kwanzaa (WXYZ Detroit, 12/21/2020)

https://www.wxyz.com/news/charles-h-wright-museum-in-detroit-to-virtually-present-the-7-principles-of-kwanzaa

Decatur, Georgia

Decatur Kwanzaa Celebration scheduled for Saturday (Herald & Review, 12/21/2020)

https://herald-review.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/decatur-kwanzaa-celebration-scheduled-for-saturday/article_37387489-3f3d-533c-b800-941478b488b7.html

Portland, Oregon; Atlanta, Georgia ; Brooklyn, New York (2); Richmond, Virginia;

Five Kwanzaa Dining Celebrations Around the Country (New York Times, 12/21/2020)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/21/dining/kwanzaa-celebration.html

Cleveland, Ohio

Karamu House streaming free performances for Kwanzaa, MLK Day (News 5 Cleveland, 12/23/2020)

https://www.news5cleveland.com/lifestyle/holidays/karamu-house-streaming-free-performances-for-kwanzaa-mlk-day

Lorain, Ohio

Kwanzaa 2020 reaffirms commitment to principles (The Morning Journal (Lorain,Ohio), 12/25/2020)

https://www.morningjournal.com/news/lorain-county/kwanzaa-2020-reaffirms-commitment-to-principles/article_93a646b6-43d9-11eb-96c4-cffbf8360da3.html

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah holding first Kwanzaa Krawl (WTOCSavannah, 12/25/2020)

https://www.wtoc.com/2020/12/25/savannah-holding-first-kawanzaa-krawl/