Kwanzaa, which begins today, is a seven-day celebration created during the civil rights movement that focuses on cultivating and appreciating the lives of African Americans, their past and present.

KWANZAA IS a week-long celebration of African American culture, history, values and community that started Thursday and continues through the end of the year. Maulana Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1996 to celebrate the history,

Robertson says Kwanzaa is a celebration of the African American community. "Kwanzaa was for communities of Pan Americans and African Americans to help celebrate what we consider our community, our families, and our children to bring us back together and bring some established principles in our lives," Robertson said.

A Mid-Michigan church is celebrating the culture and history of an African American holiday. Kwanzaa officially begins on Dec. 26 and runs through Jan. 1., and the St. Stephens Community Church celebrated the holiday for its 37th year Thursday afternoon.

Thursday marked the first day of the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa.Kwanzaa was created in 1966 as a non-religious way for African Americans to reconnect with

Kwanzaa stands as a powerful celebration of African American culture, community strength, and familial bonds. This week-long observance, held from Dec