We believe that December 26, the first day of KWANZAA, a commemorative celebration for all people living in the United States should be a national public holiday--giving everyone time to connect, celebrate, and honor African culture and heritage.

When people take time to honor and celebrate African culture and heritage, they feel more connected to it and develop an increased sense of community and respect for all people. We further hope to raise awareness that post traumatic slave syndrome is real, to inspire research dedicated to developing culture appropriate services and programs to support the mental health of African American families suffering the illness.

Mental illness affects everyone. That's why we are taking a stand and committing that on December 26, the first day of KWANZAA we will celebrate, honor, explore, and connect with African culture and heritage, focusing on what KWANZAA means and how to be a proud African American despite the past, to create a brighter future, build and maintain a collective community with respect for all people, and that the first day of KWANZAA should be recognized as a national public holiday everywhere.

Sign and share the petition to join the movement to support Make December 26 A Public KWANZAA Holiday