Kwanzaa kicks off in Milwaukee with celebration of African roots, 7 principles of the holiday

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The first day of Kwanzaa was celebrated by Milwaukee on Monday, with the community reflecting on the core values of the holiday.

Kwanzaa, a celebration of African culture, has seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

One principle is focused on per day, with a candle on a Kinara being lit in honor of each principle.

"Those seven principles, it's a way to live your life," Wisconsin Black Historical Society Executive Director Clayborn Benson said.

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society held a Kwanzaa kick-off with vendors, music, dancing and speakers. The evening centered around spreading joy and focusing on the principles of the holiday.

"It is something you celebrate 365 days a year. It is not just seven days and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It is the entire year," Benson said.

It also celebrates Africa and African culture.

"Kwanzaa tells us that we are Africans, and we should be mindful of our African roots. Yes, we live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but Kwanzaa helps us understand that we are African people from the continent," Benson said.

Celebrating Kwanzaa and passing down the tradition is something one woman says she's been doing for over 30 years.

"My children were raised with Kwanzaa. I moved here in '85 and started celebrating, and they've been celebrating all their life. It's community. It's a village," Milwaukee resident Clara Fleming said. "It's like-minded people, and the unity brings about strength. We come every year."

For more information on the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, visit their website