Started by Dr. Maulana Karenga an African American, developed this holiday based on continental African harvest festivals, where the people gather, celebrate, give thanks, honor the ancestors and recommit themselves to the community and to the work of the coming year. The  7 Principles, expressed in KiSwahili, are universal in scope and are to be lived every day of the year.

Learn more

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Black History Month

Month of February

Starting as only a week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, this month is for ALL people to remember the contributions of Africans and African-Americans to the world

 

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Daisy Bates Day

Third Monday of February

This day is commemorate the woman who prepared “The Little Rock Nine” to

 walk into Central High and the history books.

 

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Black Love Day

February 13^th

Founded by Ayo Kendi in 1993. During the 24 hour period one should express at least 5 loving acts.

showing love for:· 

The Creator

Self

Family

Community

The Black race

Colors are purple and/or black. The kinara is lit, the Nguzo Saba are recited and discussed. Gifts, if any, are to reflect the culture, must be practical, and bought in the spirit of Kujichagulia.

 

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Ancestor Honor Day

March 29th

This holiday, dedicated in 1999 commemorative holiday to honor the contributions of all non-military ancestors.

 

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Malcolm X's Birthday

May 19th

From Detroit Red to El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, to Omowale, Malcolm X was born May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska and was assassinated February 21, 1965 in the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem. His life's story is told in the Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley. Today, Malcom X is remembered for founding the Organization of African American Unity and for his bold stance on behalf of Black people everywhere.

 

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Blackout Day

May 20^th

On black people keep your money in your pocket. The power of the African- American dollar is very strong, when you refrain from spending money it sends 2 messages

1.  We are not a minority
2.  The Black dollar has an impact on the American economic system

Keep Your Money in Your Pocket!

 

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African Liberation Day

May 25^th

Founded in 1958 at the first Conference of Independent African States in Accra, Ghana, hosted by Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah, when independent African countries formed the Organization of African Unity in 1963, May 25th was chosen as the new date to observe liberation struggles against colonialism. It is a Pan African concern, uniting Africans on the mother continent with Africans in the Diaspora because the source of oppression is the same, racism and exploitation.

 

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Juneteenth

June 19^th

The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the country, was passed by Congress January 31, 1865 and signed Feb 1, 1865 by Lincoln. Word reached the Africans gradually from 1863 to 1865 throughout the USA, thus the differing dates of celebrations. In Texas and western Louisiana it was in 1865 on June 19th or "Juneteenth".

 

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Black August

Observed in honor of freedom fighters in the Diaspora and political prisoners; during the 70's in the California prison system, the founding Brothers and Sisters wore black arm bands on their left arm; fasted from sunrise to sunset; avoid TV and radio in favor of seriously studying revolutionary works. Great emphasis is placed on discipline, resisting oppression, unity, organization, political education and physical training.

 

Haitian Rebellion :: 8/1791

Nat Turner Rebellion :: 8/1831

Underground Railroad began :: 8/1892

Marcus Garvey b. :: 8/1887

First Africans Arrived in chains :: 8/1619

The March on Washington :: 8/1971

The Black Nationalist Flag :: 8/13/1920

March on Washington :: August 28^th 1963

 

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Happily Natural Day

August 23th

On this day, all African – Americans refrain from the exhibition of processed hair. If the hair cannot be worn natural, it should be covered for this one day.

 

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Black Family Day

1^st Sunday of October

On the first Sunday of October, the Black community will celebrate the coming together of family. We will remember the ancestors, the Bloods lost defending their own countries against colonialism, those martyred in the struggle, elders and family members present and separated by miles and/or broken relationships. It will be a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness; contacting those we have lost touch with; celebrating accomplishments and offering encouragement where needed.

 

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UMOJA KARAMU

4^th Sunday of November

In 1971, Dr. Edward Sims introduced the "Unity Feast" ritual as a way of teaching solidarity, Black values, appreciation of our heritage and knowledge of our history. The ritual is based on 5 periods of African American life, each represented by a color.

The Black Family:

Prior to Slavery (black)

In Slavery (white)

Upon Emancipation (red)

Struggle for Liberation (green)

Looking to the Future (gold)