Not just a ‘Black holiday’: What Kwanzaa means for African American community

ON DEC. 26, millions throughout the world’s African community began weeklong celebrations of Kwanzaa. There will be daily ceremonies with food, decorations and other cultural objects, such as the kinara, which holds seven candles. At many Kwanzaa ceremonies, there is also African drumming and dancing.

It is a time of communal self-affirmation — when famous Black heroes and heroines, as well as late family members — are celebrated.