Is Kwanzaa a Substitute for Christmas?

This article first appeared in the December 1997 edition of Imani Tidings.

I think this is about the most frequently asked question I receive about Kwanzaa. Is Kwanzaa a substitute for Christmas? And the answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!! ! As a matter of fact, Kwanzaa has nothing to do with Christmas, other than falling around the same time of year, and you may be able to press the issue by saying that the principles Kwanzaa attempts to reinforce are nothing short of those qualities that everyone aspires to during the Advent and Epiphany Seasons -- Unity, Faith, Self Determination, Responsibility and the like.

For Christians, December 25 is the date set aside to recognize the birth of Christ. Although there is great debate about whether the actual birth date of Christ was or is December 25, the fact remains that it is the date that we recognize the birth of Christ. For some of us, the date is relative because the fact of the matter is Christ WAS born!

Kwanzaa, on the other hand, began back in 1966 when Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a leading theorist of the Black Movement, had the concept for a cultural holiday for African-Americans. During that time, African-Americans began to abandon their negative self-images and started adapting natural hairstyles and traditional dress and the desire for ties to their African past increased. Kwanzaa is a unique American holiday that pays tribute to the rich cultural roots of all who are of African ancestry. Kwanzaa became a means by which African-Americans could reflect on their connection to two worlds.

Dr. Karenga recognized the hardship that often affected many Black people and others at the lower end of the social and economic strata as a result of the over commercialization of Christmas. However, there was no intention to overshadow Christmas. What Kwanzaa provides for many, and for some who have found it more meaningful, is an option while they can still be part of the holiday season. While gifts may be exchanged during Kwanzaa, it is suggested that they not be given if they present undue hardships. When gifts are given, it is suggested that they be creative, handmade or functional, like a book.

There is much information available about Kwanzaa that you may request if you are interested in funding out more. All in all, Kwanzaa has developed as a time when Black families and friends can come together to share with one another, reflect on the past, and look to the future. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are not just for the seven days set aside for the holiday -- these principles should become our personal affirmations year 'round: Unity (Umoja); Self determination (Kujichagnlia); Collective work and responsibility (Ujima); Cooperative economics (Ujamaa); Purpose (Nia); Creativity (Kuumba); and Faith (Imani).

With the New Year being a time for inner reflection and goal setting, Kwanzaa coincides nicely with this objective. It is an ideal opportunity not only to look back, but mainly to look forward and to truly expect God's blessings for our lives. As we reflect on these seven principles, these seven guidelines for daily living, let us prepare our hearts and our minds to enter into this New Year with a renewed goal for God centered living, as we strive to put into action the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.