Since Kwanzaa falls during the NIU winter break, the Center for Black Studies organizes a pre-Kwanzaa celebration in early December while students are still on campus. The celebration is focused on bringing the NIU community together to learn about African thought and practice. Author and professor Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 to introduce and reaffirm seven basic values of African culture: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is officially celebrated from December 26-January 1. This event is in collaboration with John Henrik Clarke Honor Society.