It’s the holiday season, and today marks the first day of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration honoring African-American culture and African heritage. Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University, Kwanzaa lasts for seven days to honor the seven principles Karenga chose to celebrate.
The celebration in West Michigan will crescendo this Saturday at the Grand Rapids Community Kwanzaa Celebration, hosted by the West Michigan Jewels of Africa. Momma Jewel says having the African American community come together is a key part of the holiday.
“One reason it’s very important to get together is there is power in unity," Momma Jewel said. "So when we get together, we are going to be able to come up with solutions to all of the difficulties we are facing.”
