Kwanzaa	What Is It? The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili.
When Is It? Celebrated December 26 through January 1	Origin: Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa. The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt. Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, created Kwanzaa in 1966.
What Happens? An African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa was established in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement and so reflects its concern for cultural solidity. Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol.	Who Celebrates It? Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, practiced by Africans of all religious faiths who come together based on ancient and varied common ground.

Philosophy: Kwanzaa stresses the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture. It speaks to Africans as a whole. It stresses history, values, family, community and culture. Kwanzaa introduces and reinforces seven basic values of African culture: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith. The last day is a day to engage in quiet. People ask themselves three questions:Who am I? Am I really who I say I am? Am I all I ought to be?