How Kwanzaa connects to us, and how the holiday started in Miami. See events

Kwanzaa is here.

The non-religious African-American and Pan-African holiday runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. The celebration connects Black Americans with their African historical and cultural heritage.

Following the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach.

With its roots in the Black National movement, Kwanzaa emphasizes family, community and culture annually in candlelight ceremonies with seven principles.

Two years after Kwanzaa was created, Overtown resident Irby McKnight heard about the new holiday and sent for materials. He shared information with Mattie Zanders at the Community Action Agency during the establishment of the Cultural Advisory Council of Overtown.

The Kwanzaa principles were presented to the council board. Meetings were held alternate months at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School and in the library at Dixie Park, later renamed Gibson Park. Founding members of the council included Eli Powell, Lee La Rue, Beverly Harris and Jackie Bell.

The principles of Kwanzaa

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, another candle is lit each day to represent one of the seven principles, with Swahili names, are observed on the holiday. The principles are:

▪ Umoja: Unity

▪ Kujichagulia: Self-determination

▪ Ujima: Collective work and responsibility

​▪ Ujamaa: Cooperative economics

▪ Nia: Purpose

​▪ Kuumba: Creativity

▪ Imani: Faith

On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, a feast called Karamu Ya Imani is eaten and gifts are given on the seven day. The secular festivities are open to people of all backgrounds.

Kwanzaa events in South Florida

Here are some holiday events in Miami-Dade and Broward:

Kwanzaa in the Gardens: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens.

Kwanzaa Community Celebration: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 27, African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

Kwanzaa at the Library: 3 p.m. Dec. 29, Broward West Regional Library, 8601 W, Broward Blvd., Plantation.

Kwanzaa Ujamaa Celebration: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 29, Provident Park, 1412 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale.

Mary Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27, Oak Grove Park Meeting Room, 690 NE 159th St., North Miami Beach.

Light the Kinara: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 27, Miami-Dade Library Arcola Lakes Branch, 8240 NW Seventh Ave., Miami