The annual holiday of Kwanzaa invites members of the African diaspora to reflect on their collective past and look ahead to their journey forward. 

It creates an environment where African Americans and Pan-Africans can celebrate their united African heritage, and for many new Americans in our community, it gives them an opportunity to share their experience as Africans.

"Africans are part of the Kwanzaa celebration because African Americans are going back to their roots, and I feel that's the important part of doing Kwanzaa," African and new American Sesile Ndayisaba said. 

"They have an opportunity to showcase their culture to the entire Erie community," Gary Horton, President of the Erie Chapter of the NAACP said. 

The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, and is celebrated every year from December 26th to January 1st.

Each day focuses on a different principle: Umoja for unity, Kujichaguilia for self-determination, Ujima for collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa for cooperative economics, Nia  for purpose, Kuumba for creativity, and Imani for faith.