Maulana Karenga leads the first celebration of Kwanzaa, a week-long observance of African heritage and community values.
At a Glance
- Date
- 26 December 1966
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
- Key people
- Maulana Karenga
- Category
- Diaspora & Global
- Source
- Historical accounts (1966) · Smithsonian NMAAHC
What It Meant Then
It created a new cultural tradition rooted in Pan-African principles.
What It Means Now
Kwanzaa is now observed by millions from December 26 to January 1.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “The First Kwanzaa Is Celebrated.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/the-first-kwanzaa-is-celebrated/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). The First Kwanzaa Is Celebrated. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/the-first-kwanzaa-is-celebrated/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “The First Kwanzaa Is Celebrated.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/the-first-kwanzaa-is-celebrated/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.