[header] How to explain the meaning of kwanzaa [title] Distinguish kwanzaa as a cultural holiday rather than a religious holiday. [step] Because it falls close to christmas and hanukkah, many people might mistake it for being religiously based. [title] Give credit to the founder of kwanzaa, maulana karenga. 
[step] He began kwanzaa in 1966, after the violent watts riots in los angeles made him feel like african americans needed to celebrate the special circumstances of their heritage. [title] Translate the name " kwanzaa.