I saw absolutely nothing about Kwanzaa this year -- From the internet it seems to still be alive and well, however ...

I suspect that more and more people realized that Kwanzaa is unknown in Africa. The people I know who began celebrating Kwanzaa believed they were becoming involved in an African tradition. When they realized this was not the case, they stopped.

There are many articles asking this same question, YD. The best one that I've found was this from the Philadelphia Enquirer: http://articles.philly.com/2010-12-21/entertainment/25292844_1_kwanzaa-black-power-black-families/2 From the article, I would say that it's just been kind of "outgrown". It appealed to an older generation, who went through the rough times, but the youth of today can't relate to it's politics and ideals as well. It also occurs at a very busy time of year, many feel--perhaps it would have survived better if it was during black history month or some other time of year. An interesting statement from the article: "No matter how well-intentioned, an individual can't declare Kwanzaa a black holiday and expect the masses to adopt it." The holiday can only continue to exist if it is accepted and promoted by many over time. That might mean simplifying it, and making it more commercial, as Christmas has become. I'm not sure if that's what the originator, Dr. Maulana Karenga, really wants--a simplification and commercialization of the holiday. Perhaps it's best left as a "small" holiday, to better preserve it's principles.

Excellent article -- I always thought it was a little "out of season", too -- February and the earliest signs of Spring seem much more congruent as an "emerging" movement with both an increase in light and "Fruits" being symbolic (similar to Jewish "Firstfruits") Also, Africa and "The Bleak Midwinter" (December) with images of the snow and the North being so well established, just don't seem a good match. Kwanzaa always seemed like it belongs more with Black History Month, when it's still dark enough to appreciate the increase of the light (Candles) but closer to the emergent Spring. But hey, who asked me? Thanks again for the article.

Not only is it "non-African" but it is a part of the Black Nationalist movement, which is sometimes a militant movement attempting to separate African Americans from "white/Euro" traditions. However, it is an effort to embody African traditions and a distinctive 'spirit'. It was/is a 'pretty' celebration and modeled solid African American values. There is nothing wrong with "creating" a tradition -- that's sorta why I liked it.

Well, if your main religious holiday was distained, shouted down, insulted, made fun of, and was a subject of hair on fire outrage, wouldn't you keep it rather low key? After all, a certain faction of a certain religion expresses outrage at the fact that people are greeted with "Happy Holidays", rather than "Merry Christmas" - like 1.) Christianity is the only religion that is allowed, and 2.) Jesus was actually born in December (not true). If you knew that attempting to publically share your joy at your chosen religions holidays was going to cause bile and hatred spread all over the internet, wouldn't it just be nicer to celebrate it quietly? <snort!> "What happened to Kwanzaa?" I'll tell you. Far right Chrisitianity happened.

I usually appreciate your point of view, Turbo -- but this sounds like hate speech. Far Right Christianity is usually portrayed as Neanderthals, and since Christmas is fairly secular only Jews have a justification for objecting to Christmas references, since Christmas is a civic/national holiday. The overwhelming emergent culture has been very welcoming of multiculturalism -- even those they are excluded from (Kwanzaa is a Black Nationalist holiday but most people are willing nonetheless to display it alongside Christmas and Hanukkah) . Other elements of African American or Afro-Caribbean culture or expression, from Hip Hop to the various African National / Pan African movements, have not been suppressed. Nor has Rastafarianism.