Kwanzaa is a celebration created by Maulana Karenga to honor African-American culture and heritage. It is not religious but begins on December 26th and some confuse it with an alternative religious celebration to Christmas. Not true. Kwanzaa is about family. It’s a time to get together and have a good time. One of the seven principles are read every night and a candle is lit on the kinara which is a candle holder. The last night results in a feast shared by friends and family.

First Night – Umoja (Unity) – promotes the maintenance of family community, nation and race