LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tuesday is the first day of Kwanzaa, which is a week long celebration of African American family, community, culture and African heritage.
It's celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 every year.
Each night, a candle is lit to honor one of the seven principles of the holiday.
The principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and fath.
On the last night of Kwanzaa, there's a feast held to celebrate the end of the week and presents are exchanged.
The year's festivities are being hosted by The Play Cousins Collective.
"I think it's so important for our children to see themselves as creative, resourceful, and whole, and that their communities are strong and abundant," Executive Director Kristen Williams said. "Kwanzaa is an opportunity to really put that on blast, showcase it everywhere. So for seven days, we're touring Black Louisville and celebrating all that is good and wonderful in our community."
The first celebration is called "umoja," which is Swahili for unity.
It started at 5 p.m. at The Immaculate Heart of Mary parish on Louis Coleman Junior Drive.
A candle is lit each days as the principles are discussed.
Kwanzaa is also represented by three colors: red for the blood of ancestors, green for Africa's fertile land, and black which symbolizes the people.
Here is what is scheduled for the rest of the week:
Kujichagulia - Wednesday, Dec. 27
- Book Fair at KreAtive Events Venue
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: 2722 Crittenden Drive
- Theme: Self-Determination
Ujima - Thursday, Dec. 28
- Service Opportunity (Locations Vary) 5th Element Farms aka Apocalyptic Acres, Change Today, Change Tomorrow, Social Xr Tech Academy, Shawnee Community Center
- Theme: Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa - Friday, Dec. 29
- Ujamaa Market at MELANnaire Marketplace
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Mall of St. Matthew, 5000 Shelbyville Road (Near Women’s Dillards)
- Theme: Cooperative Economics
Nia - Saturday, Dec. 30
- Youth Talent Showcase at Russell Theatre
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: 516 S 17th Street
- Theme: Purpose
Kuumba - Sunday, Dec. 31
- Innovation Noir at 1619 The Gathering Place
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: 1619 W Main Street
- Theme: Creativity
Imani - Monday, Jan. 1
- Roots101: African American Museum
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: 124 N 1st Street
- Theme: Faith
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.