Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday tradition.
The history of African Americans in the United States traces back to the era of slavery. African Americans have made significant contributions to U.S. society and culture. There are many prominent African Americans remembered for their work in the civil rights movement, their inventions and their art, and several African American holidays remember their legacy, as well as African cultural roots. Does this Spark an idea?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, or MLK Day, is an annual Federal holiday in January. This holiday has been observed in the United States as a federal holiday since 1983. The holiday honors the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., an African American civil rights activist during the 1950s and '60s. While MLK's birthday was January 15th, the holiday is traditionally on the third Monday of January. During this day, many Americans participate in community service as a part of the Martin Luther King Day of Service program.
Black History Month
Since 1976, Black History Month occurs every year as a tribute to the heritage and culture of African Americans. This month is also dedicated to remembering the African Diaspora, the movement of Africans throughout the world in the slave trade. In the United States and Canada, Black History Month is in February, while the United Kingdom celebrates in October. The origin of this month-long holiday dates back to the 1920s, when Carter Woodson initiated Negro History Week, with the mission to raise awareness of African American culture in the United States.
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day is honored in many countries throughout the world where Africans endured slavery. The day celebrates the emancipation of African slaves during the 18th and 19th centuries. Former British and French colonies, including Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and Guyana, celebrate this holiday on August 1st or the the first Monday of August. In the United States, various states have different Emancipation Day dates; Mississippi's is on May 8th, while in Texas it is June 19th. In Texas, Emancipation Day is also known as Juneteenth. The official U.S. Emancipation Day is April 16th, the date President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa was recognized as an official African American holiday in 1966. This holiday runs from December 26th through January 1st, and is based on African ceremonies and traditions. Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, was instrumental in instituting Kwanzaa. One of the holiday's primary traditions is lighting seven candles in honor of the seven principles of Kwanzaa; the candles also represent the seven days of Kwanzaa.
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