History of Kwanzaa in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

Kwanzaa is an annual African-American cultural celebration held from December 26 to January 1, ending with a feast called Karamu. Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, it draws inspiration from various African harvest traditions, and some customs of the Mizrahi Jewish people. Current estimates suggest that between 500,000 and 2,000,000 Americans celebrate Kwanzaa.

1965: Development of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

In 1965, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba, were developed by founder Maulana Karenga. These principles are all Swahili words and comprise the Kawaida philosophy.

1966: First Kwanzaa Celebration

In 1966, Kwanzaa was first celebrated. It is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.

1966: Karenga Creates Kwanzaa

In 1966, Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in the aftermath of the Watts riots as a non-Christian, African-American holiday, to give black people an alternative to Christmas and an opportunity to celebrate their history.

1971: Development of the Karamu Ya Imani

In 1971, the Karamu Ya Imani (Feast of Faith) was developed in Chicago during a citywide movement of Pan-African organizations.

January 1, 1973: Initial Karamu Ya Imani

On January 1, 1973, the initial Karamu Ya Imani occurred at a 200-person gathering at the Ridgeland club.

1992: NBUF Karamu Ya Imani Celebration

In 1992, the National Black United Front (NBUF) of Chicago held one of the country's largest Karamu Ya Imani celebrations with dancing, a youth ensemble, and a keynote speech.

1992: Commercialization of Kwanzaa Begins

Starting in 1992, the holiday became increasingly commercialized, with the first Hallmark Kwanzaa card being sold, raising concerns about potentially damaging the holiday's values.

1997: Karenga Alters Position on Religion

In 1997, Maulana Karenga stated that "Kwanzaa was not created to give people an alternative to their own religion or religious holiday" to ensure that practicing Christians would not be alienated.