In 1989, because of the vision of then chapter president, Dr. Freddie G. Young, the Miami-Dade Chapter celebrated Kwanzaa for the first time. The celebration began in the livingroom of a condominium with a kinara and Kwanzaa symbols sketched on poster board. Libation was poured, the symbols and Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) explained and feast (karamu) enjoyed by the guests. As interest in the event multiplied, the celebration has moved from private homes to the auditorium and ballroom of Miami-Dade County's Joseph Caleb Community Center with more than 500 chapter members, family and friends in attendance.

Background

Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first" and signifies the first fruits of the harvest. From December 26 to January 1, many people of African descent in America-celebrate Kwanzaa.

In Africa, there are many customs that are common among the various ethnic groups found on the continent. One of these is the celebration of the harvest. At this time of the year, people of the community/village come together to celebrate and give thanks for their good fortune. Working towards a successful harvest is a communal effort, as is the celebration.

Here in America in 1966, Maulana Ron Karenga and the U.S. Organization adopted the basic principles of the harvest celebrations in Africa to create the observance of Kwanzaa. Karenga recognized that on the whole, African Americans do not live in an agricultural setting. Nonetheless, he sought to emphasize that the basic principles found in producing the harvest are vital to building and maintaining strong and wholesome communities.

In this way, Kwanzaa was developed. Kwanzaa is that time when we reflect on our use of the basic principles, share and enjoy the fruits of our labor, and recommit ourselves to the collective achievement of a better life for our family, our community, and our people.