Kwanzaa Celebration

By Shakila Zuberi (grade 12)

From December 26 to January 1st Kwanzaa is celebrated. I have Pan- African family and friends who celebrate Kwanzaa yearly. The importance of seven days is reflected in a value that each day holds along with a candle. The holder of the candles is called a "kinara" and each day of kwanzaa a candle is lit. There is one black candle in the middle, three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right. The candle in the middle is lit first and from then on alternates from red to green on the other days. My family would make meals that were special to us each of the seven nights. It brought me much joy to light the candles when I was younger, I felt proud and connected to my identity. It was re-affirming to celebrate a holiday catered towards me.