Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture that was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a Black studies scholar and activist, in 1966. It was established in the United States as a way to provide African Americans with an alternative holiday to Christmas that would allow them to connect with their African roots and celebrate their cultural identity.

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, with each day focused on a different principle called the Nguzo Saba, which include unity (Umoja), self-determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba), and faith (Imani). During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to participate in various ceremonies, such as lighting the kinara (candleholder), exchanging gifts, and sharing meals.

Kwanzaa has become an important cultural holiday for many African Americans, providing an opportunity to reflect on their history, values, and traditions, and to reaffirm their commitment to building strong and unified communities. It continues to be celebrated by millions of people across the United States and around the world as a way to honor and celebrate Black culture and heritage.