Kwanzaa is a modern holiday that was designed deliberately to provide African Americans in the United States (and Blacks around the world) a deeper connection to African culture. The first celebration began on Dec. 26, 1966, and was inspired by the harvest celebrations in Africa, which happen at the end of the year.
South Africa in particular provided inspiration with the weeklong Umkoshi celebration, which marked the harvest and honored ancestors and community leaders.
Kwanzaa’s history and its spread around the world is explored in the book The Kwanzaa Story by
The book describes how Black people in the United States in the 1960s began to stand up for their rights, including in the Watts Rebellion in 1965. Following that uprising, which is just a small part of the history of rebellion and resistance of Black people throughout American history, activists sought to ensure that Black people knew their history and felt a connection to their ancestral homeland.
In California Ron Everett had started a group called US that taught children and adults Black culture. Turning away from traditional American holidays, Kwanzaa was developed to celebrate community and culture.
The book goes through the meaning of each day of the celebration and talks about the symbols that are used during Kwanzaa. This is a great overview for kids of any background who might want to know more about where Kwanzaa came from and how it is celebrated.
It describes how the holiday has spread from one community in Los Angeles to a weeklong event that’s participated in by tens of millions of people in the United States and around the world.
In addition to the facts about Kwanzaa, the book includes a Black history timeline and a note about other Black American cultural holidays, as well as a note from the author about their family’s history with Kwanzaa.
While the book is written with Black children as the intended audience, children of all backgrounds can benefit from learning the history behind Kwanzaa as more than just a list of values, but also as a cultural celebration that’s an important part of Black history. The book is recommended for ages 6-9 years, but could also be beneficial for older kids who do not know this history.
About the book: 32 pages, hardcover paper over boards. Published 2025 by becker&mayer! kids. Suggested retail price $18.99
Kwanzaa Activities for Kids [Lesson Plans]
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