Kwanzaa, as founder Dr. Maulana Karenga writes, is “an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community.”

A professor and chair of the department of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, Karenga founded Kwanzaa in 1966. Its purpose is to celebrate and reinforce African culture, and because it is modeled after celebrations in ancient Africa, it runs for seven days from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

Karenga founded the holiday in an effort to empower black communities and recognize black culture. Now, some estimate that tens of millions of people around the world celebrate the holiday that includes decorating houses, wearing cultural garments, lighting a candle each night and discussing one of the seven principles.

During the weeklong celebration, we will post on our websites a total of eight videos that gives you and your family a synopsis of Kwanzaa and each of its seven principles. The first video is of a local resident giving a history of the celebration. The remaining seven videos are of the resident explaining each principle.

Here’s a schedule of the days the principles are celebrated; videos of each principle will be posted on the corresponding day:

• Dec. 26: An introduction to Kwanzaa
• Dec. 26: Day 1 - Umoja (oo-MOH-jah)
• Dec. 27: Day 2 - Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah)
• Dec. 28: Day 3 - Ujima (oo-JEE-mah)
• Dec. 29: Day 4 - Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH)
• Dec. 30: Day 5 - Nia (NEE-ah)
• Dec. 31: Day 6 - Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah)
• Jan. 1: Day 7 - Imani (ee-MAH-nee)