Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural celebration that begins December 26 and ends January 1. The celebration was created in 1966 by Dr. Karenga who designed the celebration as a way for African Americans to reaffirm their heritage and culture and their bonds to one another as a community. Dr. Karenga chose the Swahili word “Kwanzaa,” meaning “first fruits of the harvest,” to identify the celebration and to express seven principles that came from the African American value system for life: Unity (Umoja), Self-Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani)

The Alexandria Black History Museum hosts an annual Kwanzaa “How-To Workshop” that teaches the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa. Visitors learn about the seven Kwanzaa principles and symbols, as well as easy crafts and activities to create their own Kwanzaa celebration.

In our 2021 Kwanzaa workshop, our presenters taught easy crafts, activities and  demonstrated how to make Groundnut Stew for your Kwanzaa feast – things to discover and enchant for every age.

Learn more about how to celebrate Kwanzaa in your home from the 2020 virtual Kwanzaa How-To Workshop, and by reading more about this special holiday. Create a celebration table at home by making a Mkeka (mat) and learn more about 21st-century Black men and women in Alexandria who have made a difference through this Word Search.