I came up with Kwanzaa because black people in this country wouldn't celebrate it if they knew it was American. Also, I put it around Christmas because I knew that's when a lot of bloods would be partying.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker admits creating Kwanzaa to attract black people who might otherwise ignore it, timing it with Christmas to reach those celebrating then.
- In plain terms
- I invented Kwanzaa to appeal to black people and placed it at Christmas for maximum exposure.
- What can you take from it?
- Strategic timing can boost cultural adoption.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does convenience outweigh cultural sincerity?
- How do people perceive purpose‑driven traditions?
Another view
Instrumental motives may undermine authenticity.
More from Ron Karenga
The sevenfold path of blackness is think black, talk black, act black, create black, buy black, vote black, and live black.
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