My annual Kwanzaa celebration is one of greatest highlights of every year. The cumulation of family and the community coming to celebrate such a magnificent holiday as Kwanzaa is electrifying. Without a doubt over the past couple of years I’ve participated in various Kwanzaa celebration programs, yet increased my understanding for Kwanzaa. Uniquely Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrated by millions in the African American community. Indeed Kwanzaa celebrates the culture of African Americans, and what it means to be African American and human in the fullest sense. The Kinara one of the greatest symbols for Kwanzaa. The Kinara is a candleholder used to hold the seven candles. For instance, these seven principles help create the unified theme such as community. Furthermore, the principles are Umoja, Kujichagulia, Umoja, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani. Once again the seven candles represent the seven important principles which highlight key values in a family. For example collective work, community, self-determination, and faith has taught me the value of strong knowledge for one past, present, and future. So, in other words, This Kinara symbolizes family and coming together to celebrating the year’s accomplishments throughout Kwanzaa’s seven days. These seven candles represent seven important principles which highlight key values in family life. Kinara originated in after the tension of the civil rights movement. More importantly, my mom introduced me to Kwanzaa.

– Kiara Starling

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