Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African-American culture. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase mutanda ya kwanza which means first fruits, or harvest, in Swahili. Celebrations often include singing and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, African drumming, and feasting and are observed from December 26th to January 1. Kwanzaa is not a religious or a political holiday. Kwanzaa is a reflective holiday.
The holiday is relatively new, compared to other holidays celebrated during the month of December in the U.S. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Africana Studies at California State University in response to the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965 as a way to bring African-Americans together as a community. Several different cultural celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, are combined to form the foundation of Kwanzaa.
BLS B.L.A.C.K. is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration on Wednesday, December 22 during W Block. We are looking for student entrepreneurs and business owners to join our celebration to honor the 4th principle of Kwanzaa “Ujimaa”. Student leaders are invited to set up a display table during the event to showcase their business. All current and future entrepreneurs are welcome. If you would like to reserve a table for your business at our Kwanzaa event, please complete this form (forms.gle/UBp5igrTX1QAu2vR9) by Monday, December 20, 2021. If you have any questions, please email blackatbls@gmail.com or stop by Room 114.