Kwanzaa Writing Prompts

321. Kwanzaa was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a holiday of African-American identity and community in 1966. Do you think it's important for a group of people to have a collective identity? Why or why not?

322. The holiday of Kwanzaa was established in part so that African-Americans could reconnect with their African roots. Do you know where in the world your family is originally from? If so, how do you think it has affected the way you've grown up? If not, why might it be important for you to find out?

323. Kwanzaa is centered around seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa corresponds to a different principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Which of these seven principles do you think is the most important and why?

324. In Swahili, Kwanzaa means “first fruits." In ancient times, a first fruits ceremony featured a king or chief tasting the first ripe crops during a season. Imagine if every meal in your house was like a first fruits ceremony. Who would be the first taster? Who would be the last to taste? Why?

325. Households celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with colorful African cloths, the colors black, red, and green, and a candle holder with seven candles, called a kinara. Describe what it might be like to be invited to the house of a friend who celebrates Kwanzaa. What might you enjoy about it and why would you like it?

326. Kwanzaa is celebrated right after Christmas, from December 26 through January 1. Why do you think the holiday was placed immediately following Christmas? How might some people celebrate both?

327. The flag of Kwanzaa is black, red, and green. The black signifies the people, the red their struggle and the green for the hope of the future. As racism continues to be a part of the world, what do you think it will take for the "struggle" aspect of Kwanzaa to come to an end? Do you think equality can be achieved? Why or why not?

328. Kwanzaa is also a holiday of art, song, and creativity. Create a song or a poem about your thoughts on Kwanzaa and why you appreciate certain aspects of the holiday.

329. Imagine that you celebrated Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all in the same year. Which would be more important, getting three times the gifts or learning more about all three holidays? Why?

330. Since the holiday has qualities relevant not just to African-Americans but Africans around the world, also called Pan-Africans, the holiday has gained followers outside of the United States. Since it is such a young holiday, how do you think Kwanzaa will change in the next 100 years? Why?