Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 23, 1995                   TAG: 9511230012
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-12   EDITION: HOLIDAY  
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

KWANZAA MAY BE YOUNG, BUT IT IS GROWING STRONG

Maulana Karenga created the holiday in California in 1966, when Karenga was a doctoral candidate and civil rights activist. The name means "first fruits" in Swahili and was based on African harvest festivals.

Despite its youth, it has grown to include an estimated 18 to 20 million participants around the world.

The holiday was part of a larger campaign by Karenga, now chairman of the black studies department at California State University at Long Beach, to empower blacks and connect them with their cultural roots in Africa.

Although it was first celebrated by nationalist groups that wished to sever ties with holidays that had associations with what they considered an oppressive, white European establishment, the holiday has become "mainstreamed" for many blacks.

One of Karenga's goals reportedly was to avoid traditional Christmas celebrations in favor of Kwanzaa, but the two holidays now are seen as compatible, with many families celebrating both. And spiritual development - with or without a religious affiliation - always has been one of its goals.

Kwanzaa runs for seven days - Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 - one for each of the seven principles the holiday promotes: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Kwanzaa promoters - including a home page on the Internet's World Wide Web - provide background and suggestions for the celebration. Information also is available at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture.

There are candle-lighting ceremonies for each day, stories and books related to the holiday, collections of African music, and advice on gifts - with a focus on creative, handmade items.

The high point is Karamu on Dec. 31, a feast day that also includes music and dance.

A key element in the celebration is a focus on recalling a personal and cultural history. Activities to promote self-esteem and ethnic pride have been at the center of the celebration.

Like many holidays, this one also includes a tradition of gift-giving, preferably with an educational purpose.