Article / Updated 10-08-2021
In 1966, Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University, created a uniquely African American and Pan-African holiday called Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December through January first.Kwanzaa is related to many African celebrations of the first harvest. The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which translates as first fruits.