Kwanzaa, 1995

Kwanzaa, Swahili for first, is the first indigenous, non-heroic African-American holiday in the U.S., celebrated from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. Kibunzi (corn) represents the offspring. The Kinara (candleholder), crafted from Redwood burl by China, holds 3 red candles for struggle, 3 green for the future and the black for unity. In the Mazao (harvest) bowl, the Braille for Kwanzaa is in red and green. The blind woman is signing Kwanzaa, a new sign for a recent holiday. Many ASL speakers still fingerspell it. This sign is used in California while another is used on the East Coast. Harambee!