E. Ethelbert Miller is director of Afro-American Studies at Howard University in Washington, and supervises the college’s African American Studies Resource Center. Miller, 57, recently provided insights on Kwanzaa, a holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 and influenced by Pan-Africanism.The holiday started Wednesday and lasts seven days.

What is the purpose of Kwanzaa?

It started out in the black nationalist community as an alternative lifestyle. It was an enforcement of African values and culture. Today, it’s more accepted in the mainstream. When you go to the store, you’ll see Kwanzaa items next to the Christmas and Hanukkah decorations. That’s a major achievement. I even see white people celebrating it now.

What does Kwanzaa mean?

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First harvest or first fruits in Swahili.

What are the principles?

There are seven: Umoja means unity, Kujichagulia is self-determination, Ujima is collective work, Ujamaa is collective economy, Nia is purpose, Kuumba is creativity and Imani is faith.

Can one celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas without contradicting himself?

Yes, there is no contradiction whatsoever. When I raised my children, I wanted them to have Christmas memories. I wanted them to remember the Christmas tree and the presents. But on the next day, we would go to someone’s house for a Kwanzaa celebration. Kwanzaa could be great for the incarcerated also. It could instill values for those individuals before they come back into society. This lays a strong foundation for them for progress after their release.

What is the biggest misconception about the holiday?

People think it’s an anti-Christmas holiday. It’s not. We also have to understand black people are not monolithic.