This updated second edition presents the history,customs, symbols, and lore of more than 100 diverse holidays and festivals celebratedby Americans of African descent in the United States.Events covered include historical and contemporary African-American holidays-ranging from slave observances to Kwanzaa. Also covered are holidays and festivalscommemorating notable people, historical events, cultural heritage, and religiousbeliefs. Religious observances include those of various Christian denominations as wellas those of Santeria and other African-based faiths.Each entry covers the official name and date of the holiday or festival; its historyand how it was created; when and where it was first celebrated; where and how it isobserved today; places to visit and relevant organizations, with contact information; andsources for further reading.