Maulana Karenga

The fact is that there is nowhere on the African continent a holiday named Kwanzaa. . . . Kwanzaa is an Afro-American holiday which by its very definition reflects the dual character of the identity and experience of the Afro-American people.

— Maulana Karenga

It's an African holiday created by African people. It speaks to me in a way it can't speak to people outside our culture. We honor and affirm our family, community, and culture.

— Maulana Karenga