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Twin Cities families celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa festivities

It was started in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as a way to maintain African-American cultural connections to Africa and strengthen communities.

MINNEAPOLIS — Kwanzaa is a time of family and celebration, and for some in the Twin Cities, it's about coming together to honor traditions. 

"During the first day of Kwanzaa, we light the first and only black candle, and the black candle stands for the unity of the people," said Titilayo Bediako, founder and executive director of We Win Institute. 

Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits" in Swahili, is a celebration filled with songs and storytelling.

It was started in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, an activist and professor, as a way to maintain African-American cultural connections to Africa and strengthen communities, with the seven day festival kicking off Monday and lasting until New Year's Day.

"Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday with very similar kinds of reasons and purposes to reconnect people," said Atum Azzahir, founder and executive director of the Cultural Wellness Center.

On Monday, to start the holiday, there was music and food at the Midtown Global Market. 

"What you'll hear today is quite a bit of drumming and singing, and learning and teaching from each other, and eating an amazing feast," said Azzahir.

"Being around good people, good food," said Dina Jones, who came out to the celebration with her daughter.

Seven candles represent seven principles during Kwanzaa. On the first night, there's Umoja, which means unity. The second night is represented by Kujichagalia.

"Kujichagalia means self-determination, and in terms of our children, we give them challenges in hopes of building up their character," said Bediako. "These are principles that people — no matter where their culture is or where they live or their economic status — they believe in these principles."

Uplifting the seven principles: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith — while celebrating African-American culture, heritage and pride. 

"African-Americans being able to get together, unite, work together and find peace together is a very powerful statement in Minnesota," said Azzahir.

The celebration goes on until Jan. 1. 

For a full list of events happening this week, visit the link here.

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