Kwanzaa and Black Winter Holidays
Learning Objective
I can compare and contrast Kwanzaa with other Black winter holidays.
Key Concepts
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that emerged as part of the Black nationalist tradition, founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga.
The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Kwanzaa's rituals are rooted in African traditions like candle lighting, poetry, song, and dance, but the holiday has faced criticisms regarding its founder and perceived anti-Christian stance.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. Kwanzaa was created to affirm Blackness. What other reason does the video give for why Kwanzaa was created?
2. Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Kwanzaa mentioned in the video?
3. The video mentions that corporations began to profit from Kwanzaa. How did this conflict with the original principles of the holiday?
Educational Video
Unpacking the Future of Kwanzaa in the Black Community
The Root