The Kwanzaa Stamp was first issued in 1997 and then reissued again in 1999, 2001, and 2002 due to a change in postal rates from 32c to 33c in 1999, 34c in 2001, and 37c in 2002.

Kwanzaa was first initiated in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, a black-studies professor at California State University. Kwanzaa means First Fruit in Swahili. Kwanzaa is a non-religious ceremony incorporating the themes of several different African harvest festivals and honors family, community and culture. It is celebrated annually by millions of people throughout the world from December 26 through January 1 and represents unity and prosperity.

Kwanzaa embraces seven principles called Nguzo Saba in Swahili. The seven principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichaguliaa (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). They are represented by seven candles (Mishumaa Saba); three green candles, three red candles, and 1 black candle, which are placed in a candle holder called Kinara. The candle holder is placed on a straw mat (Mkeka). The three green candles, (on the right) represent Ujamaa, Nia and Imani. The three red candles (on the left) represent Kujichagulia, Ujamaa and Kuumba. The black candle in the center represents Umoja. 

The Black candle is lit on the first Day of Kwanzaa and one additional candle is lit, (from left to right) on each following day of the holiday. On the evening of December 31, family members exchange gifts and celebrate with a feast called Karamu. January 1 is the final day of the Kwanzaa celebration.