Do Some African Americans Celebrate Kwanzaa Because They Believe That They Are Bantu?
Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday established in the United States, diverges from traditional African celebrations, drawing its roots from Swahili terminology. The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are articulated in the Swahili language, prompting curiosity about the motivations and influences that inspired the founder to create this unique observance. (Swahili is one of the over 600 Bantu languages that emerged from the Bantu Migration in Africa)
*Read Causes of Bantu Migration
My Very First Encounter with Kwanzaa
I first learned about Kwanzaa as a teenager at my Christian church in Fremont, California. It was introduced to us in a way that likened the celebration to a Jewish holiday. However, I recall that the focus was more on the lighting of the candles, rather than highlighting the diverse traditions across the African continent.
A True Explanation of the Meaning of Kwanzaa-Kwanzaa in Swahili- First
This informative video showcases oral history specialist Kelly Natives from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Kelly delves deeply into the rich origins, significance, and cultural importance of Kwanzaa, with great detail and clarity.
