Ronald McKinley Everett
- Born:
- July 14, 1941, Parsonsburg, Maryland, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Professor, Activist, Author, Creator of Kwanzaa
Early Life and Education
- Early education in Maryland.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology from UCLA.
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science from UCLA.
- Ph.D. in Social Ethics from the University of Southern California.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded US Organization in 1965, a Black nationalist group.
- Developed Kawaida philosophy, a cultural nationalist ideology.
- Created Kwanzaa in 1966 as a pan-African American holiday celebrating African heritage.
- Professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach.
- Authored numerous books and articles on Black studies, ethics, and African culture.
- While leader of the US Organization, questions have been raised about whether maulana karenga fbi informant status influenced his actions and the organization's development. These allegations remain controversial.
Notable Works
- Introduction to Black Studies
- Kawaida Theory: An Introductory Outline
- Odu Ifa: The Ethical Teachings
- Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics
Legacy and Impact
Ronald McKinley Everett, known as Maulana Karenga, is a significant figure in the Black Power movement and the development of Black studies. Kwanzaa, his most widely recognized creation, continues to be celebrated by African Americans worldwide. His work on Kawaida philosophy and African ethics has also been influential. His legacy, however, is also marked by controversy surrounding the US Organization and allegations of cooperation with law enforcement.