What is Kwanzaa?

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Kwanzaa, an African American  and pan-African holiday, celebrates family, community and culture.  The observance lasts seven days, beginning on December 26th and ending on January 1st. Each day recognizes one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). During Kwanzaa, families and communities celebrate with activities of interest to the community such as music, dancing, poetry, story-telling, and feasts (karamu). Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.  It is celebrated worldwide, in countries with populations of descendants of African people.

About Atlanta Regional Kwanzaa Association

The Metro Atlanta Kwanzaa Associaton (MAKA), as it was originally called, was formed in the mid 80’s to promote and propagate the observance and celebration of Kwanzaa. The organization succeeded in the past 40 years with parades, television interviews, and Kwanzaa events throughout the calendar year, MAKA also created The Kwanzaa Resource Guide newspaper, a publication that informed the community about events and resources for the Kwanzaa holiday season, and the Kwanzaa Kountdown on Christmas evening.

We give thanks leadership of our Ancestors Baba Akbar Imhotep and Ahmed Toure, and the leadership of Baba Jumoke Kwesi James, Baba Kenneth Zakee, and Mama Nobantu. We also give thanks to the many organizations who had representation at the MAKA organizing meetings. In 2021 MAKA became the Atlanta Regional Kwanzaa Association (ARKA).