Kwanzaa Directory

2023 | Annual Kwanzaa Theme and
Founder’s Message Title

"Kwanzaa, Freedom, Justice and Peace:
Principles and Practices For A New World"

Dr. Maulana Karenga

Since Dr. Maulana Karenga initiated the practice of providing an annual Kwanzaa theme and Annual Kwanzaa Founder’s Message, he has sought to offer a theme and message which serve as a framework and focus for the world African community to relate the principles and practices of Kwanzaa to enduring and current issues of life, work and struggle. The Annual Kwanzaa theme and Founder’s Message also serve as another point of community, national and pan-African unity, Umoja, the first principle of the Nguzo Saba. For it is the principle, Umoja, which makes all the other principles and related practices possible, promising and successful.


2023 Annual Founder's Kwanzaa Message

Kwanzaa at the Center

Calendar of Events

Fruit bowls

The Founder's Welcome

Dr. Maulana Karenga

As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice...

*Material on this site is summarized from:
Maulana Karenga (2008).
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.
Los Angeles: University of Sankore Press
(www.sankorepress.com)