SAN ANTONIO – On the day after Christmas each year, another holiday begins — Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa isn’t a religious holiday but a celebration of African-American culture and heritage. It’s a time for reflection and connection. The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist. It became more popular in the 1980s and 1990s. President Bill Clinton was the first U.S. president to officially recognize Kwanzaa. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, the ideas and concepts are expressed in the Swahili language. The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” which means first fruits, referring to harvest festivals celebrated throughout Africa. The holiday reinforces the Nguzo Saba, or…
