Q:
A: An African-American scholar and social activist, Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as the only original African-American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to "...give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." It has no roots in Africa, it's actually just from New York, but it is supposed to honor African-American heritage. It has no ties to any specific religion.