Kwanzaa is a cultural and reflective holiday that begins today December 26th, and lasts until January 1st.

Created in the 1960s by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage and aims to bring the African-American community together in pride and unity.

Kwanzaa is symbolized by a wooden candlestick called the Kinara, which holds seven candles representing different principles. Time is taken to decorate homes and celebrate the holiday with enthusiasm.

The holiday is based on an ancient African Swahili harvest celebration with seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), Imani (faith).

Three colors represent Kwanzaa; red, black, and green. The symbolism of the colors stands for the blood, the people, and the future.

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