LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kwanzaa, a seven-night celebration honoring African American heritage, began Friday night in Louisville with a focus on unity — the first of the holiday’s seven principles.
Unlike Hanukkah or Christmas, Kwanzaa is not a religious observance. It’s a cultural celebration created to recognize and uplift African American identity, history and futures.
“Kwanzaa is one of the only Black holidays that is about celebrating who we are and celebrating where we’re going — not just where we’ve been,” Kaileigh Robinson, one of the event organizers, said.
On the first night, the black candle in the center of the Kinara is lit, symbolizing unity and the strength of the people. The three red candles represent the struggle, and the three green candles stand for hope and the future.
“I think people need to know that African Americans have history. We have culture that we celebrate too. Kwanzaa is special to us,” Marissa Harris, event organizer, said. “The more knowledge in our community, the more balance of who we are — it will grow more each and every year.”
At Louisville’s Roots 101 African American Museum, the celebration blended lessons with art, poetry, and song. Museum founder and CEO Lamont Collins said Kwanzaa is about understanding shared principles — not religion.
“It’s not a religious holiday. It’s a cultural holiday — understanding the principles of everybody’s culture,” Collins said. “Just like Hanukkah is for the Jewish community, practicing the principles of Kwanzaa is something that we do.”
The evening began with a poem, ended with a song, and carried one message throughout — unity.
“We want people to leave here feeling united,” Robinson said. “Feeling like there is something to work toward in the future.”
Kwanzaa ends Thursday, Jan. 1.
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