Kwanza is a Swahili word that means "first". It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the 1960s as part of his effort to establish an African-American holiday celebrating family, community, and culture. The week-long celebration of Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st, providing an opportunity for families and communities to reflect upon their past, appreciate their present, and plan for the future. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). The celebration includes candle-lighting rituals, feasts, gifts for children, music, dance, poetry, and speeches. Kwanzaa is a time for African Americans to connect with their ancestral heritage and strengthen their bonds with each other, fostering a sense of unity, love, and joy within the community.
The name Kwanza experienced a significant increase in popularity between 1972 and 1978, with a peak of 29 births in 1978. However, there was a decline thereafter, reaching a low of 5 births in 1999. Over the entire period from 1971 to 1999, Kwanza had a total of 227 births.