Maulana Karenga
Creator of Kwanzaa
Dr. Maulana Karenga, an internationally recognized activist-scholar.
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Full Bio
Dr. Maulana Karenga, an internationally recognized activist-scholar, is the creator of Kwanzaa (kwahn’-zah), an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture and is observed throughout the African community on every continent in the world. He has written the definitive text on the holiday titled “Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture”.
In addition, he is the author of numerous scholarly articles and books. His latest works include “Introduction to Black Studies”, “Selections from the Husia: Sacred Wisdom of Ancient Egypt”, “Odu Ifa: The Ethical Teachings” and “Kawaida: A Communitarian African Philosophy”.
From such past movements as Black Arts, Black Studies and Black Power to the more recent ones of Afrocentricity, the Ancient Egyptian Studies Movement and the Million Man March/Day of Absence, Dr. Karenga has played a critical leadership role in black intellectual and political history since the 1960’s.
In the forefront of the founding and developing of Black Studies, he is the author of the most widely used introductory text in the discipline. He has received numerous awards for his scholarship and service including the prestigious National Council for Black Studies’ “Award for Outstanding Contributions to Black Studies” and its “C.R.L. James Award for Scholarly Publication and Advancing the Discipline,” and the African Heritage Studies Association “President’s Award for Scholarship and Service in the Development of Black Studies.”
Dr. Karenga is currently professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. He serves as chair of the President’s Task Force on Multicultural Education and Campus Diversity. He also serves as the chair of The Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO) as well as executive director of the Kawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies (KIPAS), Los Angeles.
He has been invited to lecture on major campuses of the United States and internationally in Africa, the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Trinidad, Britain and Canada. His topics include “The Philosophy and Practice of Kwanzaa,” “The Philosophy and Life of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King,” “Ancient Egyptian Ethics and Culture,” “Yoruba Philosophy and Culture,” and various other topics in African American and African history, culture and current events.
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Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
The Philosophy and Practice of Kwanzaa
The Philosophy and Life of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King
Ancient Egyptian Ethics and Culture
Videos
Interview with Maulana Karenga
Just Conversations with Kelly Brown Douglas | Dr. Maulana Karenga
News
Testimonials
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