American Holidays - Kwanzaa

hi everyone I'm Alicia bonza is a holiday in the United States

that celebrates the heritage of African Americans the holiday originated in 1966

and is held from December 26th until January 1st today it provides an

opportunity for African Americans and other US citizens to learn about each

other as well as a day that serves as a uniquely African American holiday the

first film about Kwanzaa was released in 2009 do you know the name of that film

will show you the answer at the end of this video

Kwanzaa came out of the 1960s in the United States when racial tensions were

particularly high many leaders in the African American community wanted to

create cultural events and holidays that were specific to African Americans

Kwanzaa comes out of that desire this holiday has endured over the years and

in fact has become more popular as the years have gone on Kwanzaa is very much

centered on community the holidays name comes from a swahili term which refers

to both tradition and reason there are seven principles associated with Kwanzaa

unity collective work and responsibility self-determination purpose cooperative

economics creativity and faith the holiday was recently commemorated with

its own stamp issued by the United States Postal Service over the years

Kwanzaa has become an ideal occasion for people to learn about African American

heritage and culture art literature music and dance are all celebrated at

this time of year and shared with friends and family as well as with

people outside of the African American community while it may have come out of

a divisive time Kwanzaa has become a very unifying holiday and one that's

widely acknowledged and celebrated

Kwanza has a seven candle candelabra that's lit over the course of the

holiday this is a tradition similar to other holiday celebrations during the

darkest time of year when lights are very important symbols and now here's

the answer to the quiz do you know the name of the first film about Kwanzaa

that was released in 2009 the black candle was the first American film about

the Kwanzaa celebration it has been featured in other films however but not

as a central element most people in the United States are familiar with Kwanzaa

and whether or not they celebrate it they generally do know when it's held

how is this lesson did you learn something interesting do you have any

similar holidays in your country please leave a comment at English class 101.com

until next time

you