Kwanzaa and Black Winter Holidays

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Objective

I can compare and contrast Kwanzaa with other Black winter holidays.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

The Root · 7:01

We don't generate video — this one is by The Root on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that emerged as part of the Black nationalist tradition, founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga.

  2. 2

    The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

  3. 3

    Kwanzaa's rituals are rooted in African traditions like candle lighting, poetry, song, and dance, but the holiday has faced criticisms regarding its founder and perceived anti-Christian stance.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

3 questions

1

Kwanzaa was created to affirm Blackness. What other reason does the video give for why Kwanzaa was created?

2

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Kwanzaa mentioned in the video?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Name one similarity and one difference between Kwanzaa and Christmas, based on the video.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

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