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