1. A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION LAURIE, KATE, ANDREA
KWANZAA
A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
LAURIE, KATE, ANDREA

2. When, where, who? Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26- January 1
Anywhere
African Americans or African descent

3. 5 Facts
Light 7 candles
Created to reinforce seven basic values of African culture
Do not mix the Kwanzaa holiday with any other holiday
Every item used represents African culture and commitment to the holiday
The greetings during Kwanzaa are in Swahili

4. Traditions and Food Koki, an appetizer made from black-eyed peas
Peanut soup, a pan-African and African-American favorite
Jollof Rice, a main dish that Maya Angelou reports was "a smashing success"
Okra and Greens, a traditional African dish for a side
Chinua Achebe calls Yam "the king of crops"; (or serve their American relation, sweet potatoes)
a "first fruits" dessert course, Fruit Salad or Coconut Pie (See Dessert in Africa)
beverages: Green Tea with Mint (iced, if you like), Ginger Beer

5. Gifts
Gifts are given mainly to children, but most always includes a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.