Did you know that Kwanza celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2016?

Did you know that Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration from December 26th-Janurary 1st?

Did you know that Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday?

Did you know that Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and honor African culture and to also inspire African-Americans?

Did you know that Kwanzaa is mainly celebrated in the US?

Did you know that there are approximately 18 million people who celebrate Kwanzaa?"

Did you know that Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase Matunda ya Kwanzaa  meaning “Frist fruits of the harvest?”

Did you know that Kwanzaa celebrations often include African dances, drums, storytelling and poetry?

Did you know that People who celebrate Kwanzaa have a big feast called Karamu on 12/31?

Did you know that the colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the color of the people, Green represents the fertile land of Africa and Red represents blood shed in the struggle for freedom?

Did you know that there are seven principles of Kwanzaa called Nguzo Saba?
 
Did you know that Umoja (unity) to maintain unity in the family and community?

Did you know that Kujichagulia (self-determination) to be responsible for the community and to speak for oneself?

Did you know that Ujima (collective work and responsiblity) to build and maintain a community?

Did you know that  Ujamaa (cooperative economics) to help build and maintain our own businesses?

Did you know that Nia (purpose) to build and develop goals to benefit the people of the community?

Did you know that Kuumba (creativity) to make the community more beautiful and beneficial for the future generation?

Did you know that Imani (faith) to believe in our people, parents, teachers and leaders?

Did you know that Each night of Kwanzaa a candle is lit and a principle is discussed?

Did you know that the kinara is the candle holder in the middle is the black candle the three to the left are green and the three to the right are red?

Did you know that there are seven symbols of Kwanzaa?

Did you know that Mazao: fruits, nuts and vegetables.  The historical foundation of Kwanzaa.  This is to remind the people of the harvest fruits that nourished the people of Africa?

 Did you know that Mkeka: Mat, symbols of Kwanzaa are arranged on the Mkeka which is made of straw or African cloth?

Did you know that Vibunzi: Ear of Corn, represents fertility symbolizes that reproduction of futures families. One piece of corn is placed on the mkeka for each child?

Did you know that Mishumoa Saba: The seven candles that represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa?

Did you know that Kinara: The candle holder that holds the Kwanzaa candles. The candles symbolizes stalks of corn that branch off to form new stalks (the family)?

Did you know that Kikombe Cha Umoja: Unity cup, people say harambee Swahili for lets pull together than drink from the cup to honor ancestors?

Stamp to commemorate Kwanzaa

Did you know that Zawadi: gifts Gifts are given on the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1st. It is encouraged to give gifts that encourage growth, self-determination, achievement and success?

Did you know that the photo was of : The first U.S. Postage Stamp to commemorate Kwanzaa (1997)?

Did you know that Kwanza celebrated its 50^th Birthday in 2016?

Did you know that Kwanza was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate family, culture and heritage, and is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in Africa?

Did you know that there are 7 Principles and 7 Primary Symbols that emphasize a unique set of values and ideals during the 7 days of Kwanzaa… also spelled with 7letters?

Did you know that  Umoja is Unity?

Did you know that with over 2000 languages spoken on the African continent, Kwanzaa adopted one of the many unifying languages, Swahili, which is spoken by millions on the African continent. The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits?"

Did you know that  the colors of Kwanzaa are a reflection of the Pan-African movementrepresenting “unity” for peoples of African descent worldwide: Black for the people, red for the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and green for the rich land of Africa?

Did you know that the first US postage stamp to commemorate Kwanzaa was issued in 1997.but did there have been 5 designs released since then, the most recent being in 2016?

Did you know that Kwanzaa is rooted in African culture, however, people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are welcomed to join in the celebration?

Did you know that these Celebrities who have been known to celebrate Kwanzaa every year include Oprah, Maya Angelou, Chuck D, Angelina Jolie, and Synthia Saint James (who designed the first Kwanzaa postage stamp.)?

 

 Now if you didn't know, now you know...



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