Ron Everett (Maulana Karenga)
- Born:
- July 14, 1941, Parsonsburg, Maryland, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Professor of Africana Studies, Activist, Author, Founder of Kwanzaa
Early Life and Education
- Born Ronald Everett, one of fourteen children.
- Bachelor's degree in sociology from UCLA in 1963.
- Master's degree in political science from UCLA in 1964.
- Ph.D. in social ethics from the University of Southern California in 1994.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded US Organization in 1965, a Black cultural nationalist group.
- Developed the Kawaida philosophy, emphasizing African cultural identity.
- Created Kwanzaa, an African American cultural holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1.
- Professor and chair of the Department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach.
- While details of his involvement are complex and contested, it's documented that, like some other activists of the era, Maulana Karenga FBI informant status stemmed from his organization's interactions with law enforcement.
Notable Works
- Introduction to Black Studies
- Kawaida Theory: An Introductory Outline
- Numerous articles and essays on Black studies, cultural nationalism, and ethics.
Legacy and Impact
Maulana Karenga's most significant contribution is arguably the creation of Kwanzaa, which has become a widely celebrated cultural holiday in the African American community. His Kawaida philosophy and work in Black Studies have also had a lasting impact on the field. However, the complexity of the situation with Maulana Karenga FBI informant allegations, along with his past conviction for assault, significantly complicates assessments of his legacy.