Kwanzaa

General Practices

Kwanzaa has seven core principles: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Setting up the Kwanzaa table, a straw mat to symbolize history and tradition. Setting the candleholder to represent African roots and place seven candles inside the kinara (one black, three red, and three green). Arrange crops and fruit to represent the rewards of labor. Add ears of corn to represent each child in the household.

Description

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. Historian and activist Maulana Karenga developed the holiday in the 1960s. It is not a religious holiday, per se, but is a cultural celebration.

Recommended Accommodations

Schools are usually closed during this time so specific accommodations may not be necessary.