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Maulana Karengacreated Kwanzaa in 1966 as the first specifically African-American holiday.Karenga said his goal was to "give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."
During the early years of Kwanzaa, Karenga said that it was meant to be an alternative toChristmas, thatJesuswas psychotic, and thatChristianitywas "a white religion which black people should shun".As Kwanzaa became more popular, Karenga modified his stand to avoid alienating African-American Christians. In 1997 he backtracked on his original statements and declared:
"Kwanzaa was not created to give people an alternative to their own religion or religious holiday."
Most African-Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa do so as a celebration of their heritage and the 7 principles that it espouses so that is now the real purpose of Kwanzaa. It is very common for those celebrating Kwanzaa to also celebrate Christmas.
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What does the Kwanzaa word 'nia ' mean?
Purpose
What is the principle for the fifth day of Kwanzaa?
Nia is the principle for day five in Kwanzaa. It means "purpose." It is one of the seven principles that are celebrated by seven candles in the special candle holder called the kinara.
What is the Kwanzaa word for feast?
Kwanzaa.
What is a sentence for Kwanzaa?
My cousin celebrates Kwanzaa
Why Kwanzaa celebrated?
Kwanzaa is is a weeklong celebration held in united states honoring universal African heritage and culture,observed from December 26 until January 1.So Kwanzaa is celebrated to show people that africans can celebrate their culture because of the improvement their culture has improved.
What is a symbol of Kwanzaa?
The crops, the mat, the kinara, the corn, the seven candles, the unity cup, and the gifts are the symbols of kwanzaa. Specifically, the kinara is the candle holder for the three red, one black and three green candles of the lighting ceremony aspect of kwanzaa. The candles celebrate unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
When is Kwanzaa in 2008?
Kwanzaa begins December 26
How do you say Kwanzaa in spanish?
the correct way to say Kwanzaa in spanish is "Kwanzaa"...
What do the candles of Kwanzaa represent?
Unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith are what the seven candles represent in kwanzaa. The candles are color coded. Three are red, one is black, and three are green. The previously mentioned colors are arranged in left-to-right order.
In what year was Kwanzaa founded?
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Donny
How are kwanzaa and Thanksgiving alike?
kwanzaa and thanksgiving have similar foods
What is the menorah called for Kwanzaa?
For Kwanzaa, kinara is the word for menorah.
