The purpose of Kwanzaa is to focus on making sure we enter the new year better than the old year. That’s what the seven principles are for. Seven days focused on prosperity instead of giving all our money to other communities and entering the new year in credit card depth. Kwanza is about first fruits of the harvest. So yes! It should be celebrated as a practice of self preservation, planning and development
We Celebrate both. Christmas is about Christ. We make hand made gifts for Kwanzaa not send all our money in Eurocentric capitalism. Instead we build our wealth and health
Are you even black? Seem like something a Hotep, non POC virtue signaler or African Studies professor, student or enthusiast would say. Think its clear the average person isn't interested.
Kwanzaa is not a black Christmas. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that gives all people a chance to celebrate the culture of black people. This is a celebration of freedom and self-determination.
The seven names have been given face...Kwanzaa is its own ....Diasporian version of the Orisha of Yoruba...you should go through Instagram just this year... the images are amazing. Oh yeah Kwanzaa is alive and well
As a Black American, it isn't so obvious that all of the traditions and virtues we value were given/taught to us by the English/Europeans. Kwanzaa allows me to teach my children some of the same virtues, the righteous ones, through the context of OUR ancestors and not the Europeans. This way they can feel they have a right to that concept and it's not something borrowed from another culture.
@Joséf from TX lol the point is the message isn’t wrong or bad because of what the messenger has done. If we were celebrating the man, like we do the forefathers, you may have had a point. But “YALL” like to focus on the negative deeds of individuals to discredit any positive traction that happens in the black community. If it doesn’t take away from your culture, why are you even here with the negative energy?
@Joséf from TX you are absolutely correct with that. Africa is not a monolith and is as diverse as any other continent on this planet. And why do you say we are not celebrating our ancestors? Because of the language these principles are spoken in? For you to even know that Swahili comes from Eastern Africa meant you, and many other Americans from all races, had to look it up and learn about it, which is a good thing.
All cultural elements grow and change with time. For example, Hanukkah has changed from a commemoration of a wartime victory to a celebration of miracles and culture. The Seven Principles give Kwanzaa something that transcends its past. Some people find Kwanzaa's past objectionable, but I think the Seven Principles are beautiful and meaningful. I like that it isn't so commercialized and instead focuses on self-improvement and community.
Kwanzaa is not black Christmas and was not meant to interfere with Christmas which is why it starts after Christmas. Christmas has religious origins Kwanzaa is about heritage
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration. It is not known in Kenya or Tanzania (the 2 main countries using Swahili, even though there are speakers in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and Burundi to name a few) and I would go as far to say not in Africa. I could see why too. It is such a diverse continent, with over 100 languages, Kwanzaa only uses the Swahili language. It was quite shocking that all the words from the name of the celebration to the principles are all in Swahili. Even the colors of the candles are similar to that of the Kenyan flag. Some meanings though should be corrected, kujichagulia is one word which means choose for yourself. Kuumba is to create not creativity. That being said as an East African who has never set foot in America, I plan on adopting Kwanzaa. The principles are definitely in line with my culture. *Ps* It also is weird for me as a native speaker to say Habari gani, that's how we greet each other anyways when you meet someone, literally How are you. My ears and brain would interpret that as "Hi, how are you Kwanzaa" taking Kwanzaa to be someone's name. I wouldn't say how are you Christmas. On the top of my head Salama or Amani would be a much better fit. Imma look for one I will incorporate on my own though
From my own research the reason Kwanzaa pulls from so many regions is because it was ment to embody many aspects of Africa because no African American (AA) person is from one place. Though east Africa did not face the same senerios of the slave trade the use of east African culture/language was an homage to connect through out the diaspora. Many ppl see it as an AA holiday only but it's goal was to connect African decent ppl (not just in the US but around the world, for whatever reason they might have been seperated. That includes AA, Afro immigrants to any country, Afro Latinx or any mix really, and Africans. The holiday was inspired by African celebration to promote the honor, unity, and growth of Africa and its descendents
This was not a comment to invalidate your own input. I did find what you said and your perspective intriguing. I guess Kwanzaa is doing it's job since I was able to meet you from this topic. It's such a young holiday but hopefully it develops with the insight and celebration by more people and their own innovation on the subject.
You’re right that it’s kind of odd that a pan African religion uses only Swahili words but as far as the black red and green colors those were invented by African American Marcus Garvey..Kenya and the other African countries who adopted those colors as their national flags were taking inspiration from African Americans and the pan African movement which originated from African Americans
This was a beautifully-filmed video. It has a lot of truth and makes interesting points, but this was actually an attack on Black people. Half of what was said or insinuated were lies and misinterpretations. You makers of this "examination" of Kwanzaa should've kept this video to yourselves. This is not a "black Christmas"! That is a terrible thing to say. Even MOST of the people in the comment section who are "pro-celebration of Kwanzaa" don't really understand that the purpose of celebrating the holiday IS NOT CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAY!...It is a SUPPLEMENT to help Our people make PROGRESS... to bring "VALUE of Our people" to the TOP of Our agenda, and to (together) become masters of Our destiny again! In the U.S. and Worldwide! Peace!
Gina Paige is the CEO of the company African Ancestry. She finds the ancestral ethnic group, kingdom, state etc of black people. Kwanza is beautiful, but there's just so much more.
I do Friendsgiving, not thanksgiving. But I come for the friends and food, the genocide of indigenous Americans is awful, which is why I rarely acknowledge thanksgiving. Christmas is sham, when you find out about all the foolishness and when it was created it’s baffling. I celebrate Kwanzaa!
@@the-based-jew6872 Kwanzaa is a pan African holiday to unite Africans from the diaspora. There are plenty of black people that have done terrible things to their spouses, which shouldn’t be over looked. I’m more concerned about the progress of our people, I hope his wife made the best decision for herself/life.
It's not a holiday. It's a CULTURAL celebration. Why don't people read and stick to the facts. We need to stop adding stuff that's not true or needed....like our opinions. It was never meant to be a holiday.
I get irritated at the people that keep putting Kwanzaa in the same sentence as Christmas Kwanzaa has nothing to do with any European celebration or holiday
As a Swahili speaker I think it would be lovely to teach African American how to pronounce those Swahili worlds, the correct spelling for Kwanzaa is kwanza, I’m proud of you guys having to celebrate kwanza.
@@soulfullyroyalnita From what I read, there were 7 children present and each of the children were meant to represent a principle AND one letter of Kwanzaa. In light if that Kwanzaa was made to have 7 letters. It is definitely a bit misleading to purposely misspell a word and then teach it to people, but nevertheless its up to us to gain a deeper understanding of what we have been taught. I have never celebrated Kwanzaa but I took to studying it this year as I observed so many of our people celebrating 'thanks giving" which is a day of MOURNING for many Native Americans. We are so lost.... Peace & Love.
@@jahgmusic_3tp I agree it runs so deep! I was def considering Kwanza, I don’t celebrate thanksgiving anymore either. It’s very sad that day for many! We must continue to educate ourselves indeed.
In Dr Maulana Karenga book it is explained that there were 7 children present of The US organization wanted to put on a program where each one represented and explained a letter of Kwanzaa so another A was added
Dr Maulana Karenga explains in his book that some children wanted to represent each letter of the word and because there were 7 children another A was added
But the most confusing thing to me is that we are descendants of West Africa. Why are we celebrating something in Swahili? I love Tanzania myself and have travelled there but I know my ancestors are from the West.
That's why the term "Pan-african" is used, and if you know anything about that concept it's African unity. Kiswahili is the language of Pan-africanism because it's a floating language ( not a tribe) in east Africa and widely spoken by many countries. Moreover, the future of African depends on integration and cultural unity. By the way, you Americans speak English, study Greek as classics but you are not all Europeans or descendants of Greeks! See, it's about culture and civilization of the Black race and and regionalism. I speak as a west African from Liberia.
I do! And more of us should, it's a great way to connect not only with your family and community, but with the African side of our heritage. Our history did not start with slavery ✊🏾
@@justthatnerdyfashion kwanzaa isn't an African holiday, it was invented by college students in the USA like 50 years ago. no one celebrates it because it's a joke
@@jeffbriggs1987 Guess I'm a nobody then because I celebrate it 🤷🏾♀️ You're right, it's a African-American holiday created by African-Americans for African-Americans and those of the African diaspora to connect us back to our African roots. Not sure why you're so pressed about Black empowerment, go be miserable somewhere else.
Kwanzaa was started celebrating in 1966 concept in 1965. Dr Karanga trial accusations was in 1972. Which was like all Black impowerment groups. Targeted By FBI. US Organization was no different then others. What have that got to do with Kwanzaa??? Nothing. Peace.
Celebrating some holiday started by a guy who beat up black women??? 🥴 No thank you! I can appreciate and celebrate African American culture without this BS.
That's not racist or causing division at all. The fact that the irony is lost on you and your cosigners is evident that Kwanzaa is still needed. Smh, lol.
@@iloveutubesince3207 the menorah was first used by Moses while in the wilderness as described in the bible long before being adopted by the Jewish people as well as others. Educate yourself and HAPPY KWANZAA!!!
I cannot wait to celebrate my first class of next year, I need to celebrate
The purpose of Kwanzaa is to focus on making sure we enter the new year better than the old year. That’s what the seven principles are for. Seven days focused on prosperity instead of giving all our money to other communities and entering the new year in credit card depth. Kwanza is about first fruits of the harvest. So yes! It should be celebrated as a practice of self preservation, planning and development
We Celebrate both. Christmas is about Christ. We make hand made gifts for Kwanzaa not send all our money in Eurocentric capitalism. Instead we build our wealth and health
Factssss
Actually it’s to take da thangs from da gucci sto 💅🏿
Celebrating for the first time this year!!
Definitely celebrating this year starting today . Happy Kwanzaa
Celebrating for the first time this year as a Haitian-American!✊🏾
My family celebrated too 🙏🏿✊🏿🤝🏿❤🖤💚
WuT did yo single mama steal fa Kwanzaa? 💅🏿
Kwanza is definitely something I think more black folks should learn about and consider celebrating.
Are you even black? Seem like something a Hotep, non POC virtue signaler or African Studies professor, student or enthusiast would say. Think its clear the average person isn't interested.
@@robdub82183 The question is are you even black? Why does Kwanzaa bother you so much? Mind your business.
@@justthatnerdyfashion You mind your business. Wrote What I wrote to the guy above. Not to you.
@@robdub82183 I'm not going to have you disrespect our Holiday like that, sorry 🤷🏾♀️
@Trim Hits And white supremacists hate it 🤷🏾♀️
Kwanzaa is not a black Christmas. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that gives all people a chance to celebrate the culture of black people. This is a celebration of freedom and self-determination.
The seven names have been given face...Kwanzaa is its own ....Diasporian version of the Orisha of Yoruba...you should go through Instagram just this year... the images are amazing. Oh yeah Kwanzaa is alive and well
As a Black American, it isn't so obvious that all of the traditions and virtues we value were given/taught to us by the English/Europeans.
Kwanzaa allows me to teach my children some of the same virtues, the righteous ones, through the context of OUR ancestors and not the Europeans. This way they can feel they have a right to that concept and it's not something borrowed from another culture.
@Joséf from TX Thomas Jefferson and George Washington did a lot worse and yet, here stands our democracy.
@Joséf from TX lol the point is the message isn’t wrong or bad because of what the messenger has done. If we were celebrating the man, like we do the forefathers, you may have had a point. But “YALL” like to focus on the negative deeds of individuals to discredit any positive traction that happens in the black community.
If it doesn’t take away from your culture, why are you even here with the negative energy?
@Joséf from TX you are absolutely correct with that. Africa is not a monolith and is as diverse as any other continent on this planet.
And why do you say we are not celebrating our ancestors? Because of the language these principles are spoken in?
For you to even know that Swahili comes from Eastern Africa meant you, and many other Americans from all races, had to look it up and learn about it, which is a good thing.
I just got molly whooped and toaster popped in celebration
Celebrate your racist kwanza nonsense
Lies lies lies it was started by a prisoner
That's not what "The Right Brothers" said.
All cultural elements grow and change with time. For example, Hanukkah has changed from a commemoration of a wartime victory to a celebration of miracles and culture. The Seven Principles give Kwanzaa something that transcends its past. Some people find Kwanzaa's past objectionable, but I think the Seven Principles are beautiful and meaningful. I like that it isn't so commercialized and instead focuses on self-improvement and community.
Kwanzaa is not black Christmas and was not meant to interfere with Christmas which is why it starts after Christmas. Christmas has religious origins Kwanzaa is about heritage
I like the swahili words on the candles
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration. It is not known in Kenya or Tanzania (the 2 main countries using Swahili, even though there are speakers in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and Burundi to name a few) and I would go as far to say not in Africa. I could see why too. It is such a diverse continent, with over 100 languages, Kwanzaa only uses the Swahili language.
It was quite shocking that all the words from the name of the celebration to the principles are all in Swahili. Even the colors of the candles are similar to that of the Kenyan flag. Some meanings though should be corrected, kujichagulia is one word which means choose for yourself. Kuumba is to create not creativity.
That being said as an East African who has never set foot in America, I plan on adopting Kwanzaa. The principles are definitely in line with my culture.
*Ps* It also is weird for me as a native speaker to say Habari gani, that's how we greet each other anyways when you meet someone, literally How are you. My ears and brain would interpret that as "Hi, how are you Kwanzaa" taking Kwanzaa to be someone's name. I wouldn't say how are you Christmas. On the top of my head Salama or Amani would be a much better fit. Imma look for one I will incorporate on my own though
From my own research the reason Kwanzaa pulls from so many regions is because it was ment to embody many aspects of Africa because no African American (AA) person is from one place. Though east Africa did not face the same senerios of the slave trade the use of east African culture/language was an homage to connect through out the diaspora. Many ppl see it as an AA holiday only but it's goal was to connect African decent ppl (not just in the US but around the world, for whatever reason they might have been seperated. That includes AA, Afro immigrants to any country, Afro Latinx or any mix really, and Africans. The holiday was inspired by African celebration to promote the honor, unity, and growth of Africa and its descendents
This was not a comment to invalidate your own input. I did find what you said and your perspective intriguing. I guess Kwanzaa is doing it's job since I was able to meet you from this topic. It's such a young holiday but hopefully it develops with the insight and celebration by more people and their own innovation on the subject.
You’re right that it’s kind of odd that a pan African religion uses only Swahili words but as far as the black red and green colors those were invented by African American Marcus Garvey..Kenya and the other African countries who adopted those colors as their national flags were taking inspiration from African Americans and the pan African movement which originated from African Americans
Invented by a man who hit two woman upside the head with a toaster. We don’t celebrate this BS!!!!
The candles represent the colors of the pan african flag
We did Kwanzaa...not Christmas
This was a beautifully-filmed video. It has a lot of truth and makes interesting points, but this was actually an attack on Black people.
Half of what was said or insinuated were lies and misinterpretations. You makers of this "examination" of Kwanzaa should've kept this video to yourselves. This is not a "black Christmas"! That is a terrible thing to say.
Even MOST of the people in the comment section who are "pro-celebration of Kwanzaa" don't really understand that the purpose of celebrating the holiday IS NOT CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAY!...It is a SUPPLEMENT to help Our people make PROGRESS... to bring "VALUE of Our people" to the TOP of Our agenda, and to (together) become masters of Our destiny again! In the U.S. and Worldwide! Peace!
Gina Paige is the CEO of the company African Ancestry. She finds the ancestral ethnic group, kingdom, state etc of black people. Kwanza is beautiful, but there's just so much more.
Eye Don’t do Thanksgiving Or Christmas But definitely Kwanzaa Peace to All 🙏🏾👑
I do Friendsgiving, not thanksgiving. But I come for the friends and food, the genocide of indigenous Americans is awful, which is why I rarely acknowledge thanksgiving. Christmas is sham, when you find out about all the foolishness and when it was created it’s baffling. I celebrate Kwanzaa!
@@Crescentcitygoddess kwanza of course created by a woman beater. Nice!
@@the-based-jew6872 Kwanzaa is a pan African holiday to unite Africans from the diaspora. There are plenty of black people that have done terrible things to their spouses, which shouldn’t be over looked. I’m more concerned about the progress of our people, I hope his wife made the best decision for herself/life.
Racist
My family will be celebrating it next year God’s willing ✊🏾
It's not a holiday. It's a CULTURAL celebration. Why don't people read and stick to the facts. We need to stop adding stuff that's not true or needed....like our opinions. It was never meant to be a holiday.
You should take your own advice. Also, a more positive approach to educating people without being rude may be in your best interest. With love ✨❤️
That part!
🖤❤️💚
Black Christmas is not called Kwanzaa.
I get irritated at the people that keep putting Kwanzaa in the same sentence as Christmas Kwanzaa has nothing to do with any European celebration or holiday
Exactly, Kwanzaa is an all Pan African cultural holiday for seven days and it isn't so called Christmas.
So basically it was founded in the same way that Festivus was founded.
Kwanzaa is NOT Black Christmas.
As a Swahili speaker I think it would be lovely to teach African American how to pronounce those Swahili worlds, the correct spelling for Kwanzaa is kwanza, I’m proud of you guys having to celebrate kwanza.
Hi hun! I believe they purposely added the extra a on Kwanzaa to represent 7 principals.
@@soulfullyroyalnita From what I read, there were 7 children present and each of the children were meant to represent a principle AND one letter of Kwanzaa. In light if that Kwanzaa was made to have 7 letters. It is definitely a bit misleading to purposely misspell a word and then teach it to people, but nevertheless its up to us to gain a deeper understanding of what we have been taught. I have never celebrated Kwanzaa but I took to studying it this year as I observed so many of our people celebrating 'thanks giving" which is a day of MOURNING for many Native Americans. We are so lost.... Peace & Love.
@@jahgmusic_3tp I agree it runs so deep! I was def considering Kwanza, I don’t celebrate thanksgiving anymore either. It’s very sad that day for many! We must continue to educate ourselves indeed.
In Dr Maulana Karenga book it is explained that there were 7 children present of The US organization wanted to put on a program where each one represented and explained a letter of Kwanzaa so another A was added
Dr Maulana Karenga explains in his book that some children wanted to represent each letter of the word and because there were 7 children another A was added
My first time celebrating! Harbari Gani 🖤❤️💚
Kujichagulia!🖤❤💚
HARAMBE HOOTCHIECOOTCHIE!!!!
Happy whop ya lady with a toaster holiday!!!!!!
I love Kwanzaa.
I have been celebrating Kwanzaa for twenty-eight years and endlessly 💯
An all Pan African cultural holiday for seven days.
KWANZAA is not a BLACK AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 😒
Thank you for this video!!!
KWANZAA TIME ✊
Kamala’s favorite holiday as a south Asian.
But the most confusing thing to me is that we are descendants of West Africa. Why are we celebrating something in Swahili? I love Tanzania myself and have travelled there but I know my ancestors are from the West.
That's why the term "Pan-african" is used, and if you know anything about that concept it's African unity.
Kiswahili is the language of Pan-africanism because it's a floating language ( not a tribe) in east Africa and widely spoken by many countries.
Moreover, the future of African depends on integration and cultural unity.
By the way, you Americans speak English, study Greek as classics but you are not all Europeans or descendants of Greeks!
See, it's about culture and civilization of the Black race and and regionalism.
I speak as a west African from Liberia.
@@Sekou156 Wow, thanks for this excellent explanation.
@@Sekou156 y’all literally made that BS narrative up in America. Who made y’all the global spokesperson for black people? 🙄🙄🙄🙄
@@cjthompson420 Who made you American? Are you related to the Italian guy Americo Vespucci? Keep asking Bs questions
Who is the host what is her tag?
Felica Leon
Celebrating for the first time this year
I don't think I know any black people who celebrate Kwanzaa
Because Kwanzaa is a joke. Read it’s history
I do! And more of us should, it's a great way to connect not only with your family and community, but with the African side of our heritage. Our history did not start with slavery ✊🏾
@@justthatnerdyfashion kwanzaa isn't an African holiday, it was invented by college students in the USA like 50 years ago. no one celebrates it because it's a joke
@@jeffbriggs1987 Guess I'm a nobody then because I celebrate it 🤷🏾♀️ You're right, it's a African-American holiday created by African-Americans for African-Americans and those of the African diaspora to connect us back to our African roots. Not sure why you're so pressed about Black empowerment, go be miserable somewhere else.
@@jeffbriggs1987 A woman abuser invented it 54 years ago.
So Kurenga served time for beating black women?? How can you celebrate that?
you think you are the perfect one?
Kwanzaa was started celebrating in 1966 concept in 1965. Dr Karanga trial accusations was in 1972. Which was like all Black impowerment groups. Targeted By FBI. US Organization was no different then others. What have that got to do with Kwanzaa??? Nothing. Peace.
Another "holiday" to keep people away from celebrating the birth of the savior Jesus smh
Two wrong do not, make a right
What does that even mean?
You all there in the americas should be celebrating the real bantu culture.
Love it. Embrace that Paganism and all horizons are expanded. The old Gods of Africa are alive 🙌
🖤🖤🖤
Looks like that God hates Africa.
There is one God his name is Yahweh.
Kwanzaa was started by a man who tortured two women. I would like to encourage anyone to look it up. It also has Communist sounding beliefs.
how perfect are you?
Can we hear Maulana in his own words? Why study ppl who there’s video of. And joyous Kwanzaa day 1 🙏🏿
On the first day of Kwanza my looters gave to me, a PS5 stolen from Walmart.
You really came here to hate on kwanza???
HARAMBE BRRRATTT GANGGANG MY BRUTHA! ✊🏿
it's a political celebration
😂🤣🤣🤣😂 no
Kwa-who? 😂😂😂😂
Gretchen, stop trying to make Kwanzaa happen. It’s not going to happen 🙄🙄🙄🙄🤢
Celebrating some holiday started by a guy who beat up black women??? 🥴 No thank you! I can appreciate and celebrate African American culture without this BS.
The fake wokes think the toaster whop and pop is black culture smh
Do you celebrate any holiday with that attitude?
@@Dom-xi8je SJW
Stop trying to make kwanza happen lmao
anti black .go away traitor
@@kimuei black people celebrate Christmas too lol nice try
Kwanzaa has been happening and will continue to happen. With or without you and your self-hating negativity.
@@stacyshoemaker9177 Christmas has no race
@@kimuei 0.3% of black Americans celebrate this felon created mess lmfao
Another way for basketball Americans to separate themselves and cause division instead of joining American culture
That's not racist or causing division at all. The fact that the irony is lost on you and your cosigners is evident that Kwanzaa is still needed. Smh, lol.
America didn’t have a culture
Wth is a “basketball” American and what is American culture? You don’t have a culture
@Reee! who gives a crap, Mexicans don’t even celebrate cinco de Mayo. It’s American BS like Kwanzaa lmfao
@@Adreal357 nah that’s what you woke folks say. What you meant is you have no life outside of tumblr
Black Hanukkah
They even appropriated the Jewish menorah for Kwanzaa.
@@iloveutubesince3207 yes you get it
Not even close.
@@iloveutubesince3207 the menorah was first used by Moses while in the wilderness as described in the bible long before being adopted by the Jewish people as well as others. Educate yourself and HAPPY KWANZAA!!!
@@scorpio6481 periodt
I can’t stand the fact that people hate capitalism
They don't, they hate corporate capitalism