Even as an American-born holiday, Kwanzaa was not initially widely accepted in the U.S. Today it is becoming more popular with Blacks, and even Whites, as they celebrate its main message of unity.

“Kwanzaa has changed tremendously. It’s now accepted in the United States (by) almost all the institutions including schools, churches, corporations and the government,” Citywide Kwanzaa producer Elie Kihonia said. “It’s also becoming more commercial than before with stores selling Kwanzaa cards, goods, gifts—even major stores.”

AFRICAN ROOTS—The lighting of ceremonial black, red and green colored candles is a key component to celebrating Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong holiday based on the seven African principles of moa (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Certain colored candles correspond to each principle with all candles being black, red or green. Each day an additional candle on the Kinara is lit until all seven candles are lit on the last day.

Though Kihonia said Kwanzaa is not celebrated in Africa nor recognized there, it is tied to some African principles and other African traditions. It is based on African culture and the idea of helping each other.

“The principles and the celebration itself are an inspiration of the African culture. People in Africa work together,” Kihonia said. “No one should be hungry. They build homes for the homeless together, and they share stories to keep the traditions as it is passed on by the elders through storytelling, music and dances.”

To celebrate this year’s Kwanzaa holiday, Afrika Yetu and UMOJA African Arts Company, which was founded by Kihonia, is hosting several citywide events. Each event will feature many performances of dancing and music.

“After the harvest, even during the harvest, the African people celebrate their lives and culture through music, arts, dance and storytelling,” Kihonia said. “The arts are part of the African celebration.”

Kihonia said all are invited to celebrate the holiday regardless of race or religion. Although he said even its founders didn’t foresee Kwanzaa being as widely accepted as it is today, Kihonia believes the holiday celebrates America’s diverse cultures.

“White folks who are living in the United States, if they wish to join in, they are more than welcome,” Kihonia said. “They are Americans and Kwanzaa is an American holiday and the principles of Kwanzaa talk about all the reasons of multicultural and living in harmony as a multi-pot nation.”

To address the concerns of some African-Americans that Kwanzaa stands in opposition to their Christian values, Kihonia said the holiday actually compliments these values.

“Kwanzaa is not a Christian holiday, but more of a community or social holiday that emphasizes (Christ’s) message on building a strong community,” Kihonia said. “And yes, that is also the message of Christ: unity, working together, have faith, have hope and cooperative economy.”