U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Hyde Park) is facing criticism after wishing her social media followers a happy Kwanzaa, drawing pushback from critics who argue the holiday is both fringe and rooted in a controversial history.

Pressley shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) celebrating Kwanzaa during the holiday week that runs from December 26 through January 1.

Here is what her post said:

Happy #Kwanzaa to everyone celebrating in the #MA7 and honoring the seven principles:

— Unity
— Self-Determination
— Collective Responsibility
— Cooperative Economics
— Purpose
— Creativity
— Faith

How are you observing Kwanzaa this holiday season?

While the post was brief and celebratory, it quickly sparked backlash online, with critics questioning why an elected official would promote a holiday that remains uncommon even among black Americans and whose founder has a radical and anti-Christian background.

An X user named Ronin replied, "Kwanzaa was started by an activist in the 60s who raped and tortured women but go off."

Meanwhile, the conservative account Progressive New England challenged Pressley on the principles of Kwanzaa.

"Not one principle that you possess," it replied to Pressley's post.

Additionally, an account called The Spirited American said there are better holidays to celebrate this time of year.

"By celebrating the birth of Christ," it wrote. "An event that actually happened."

Also, a woman named Lynn responded with, "I swear #Democrats are practicing for April Fools Day because their posts are getting more ridiculous by the day!"

Plus, one account called Pressley a racist for acknowledging the holiday.

"Ah yes, the holiday that didn’t exist until 1966, created by a racist, black nationalist, American activist known to have imprisoned and beaten women," it wrote. "It’s an admitted bull[expletive] holiday from the creator himself So much to celebrate … I’d expect nothing less from a racist like you."

And the community note on Pressley's post reads, "Missing context. Kwanzaa is an event created by a black supremacist, kidnapper, and torturer Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga (born Ronald McKinley Everett)."

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a far-left activist who founded the black nationalist group US Organization during the height of the black Power movement. Karenga developed Kwanzaa as a secular alternative to Christmas, which he criticized at the time as a “white” religion imposed on black Americans. The holiday centers on seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba, including collective work, self-determination, and purpose.

Karenga’s legacy remains controversial. He was convicted in 1971 of felony assault and false imprisonment related to the torture of two women within his organization, serving time in California state prison. While he later became an academic and continues to defend Kwanzaa, his criminal history has remained a main point of criticism whenever liberal politicians promote the holiday.

Although Kwanzaa gets mention from liberal politicians like Pressley, few Americans celebrate it. A 2019 Associated Press poll found 3 percent of Americans celebrate Kwanzaa – far less than the 92 percent who support Christmas.

Pressley's office could not be immediately reached for comment on Monday.