All roads led to the Ukrainian Hall on Byron Avenue on Saturday 28 December as Jaku Konbit held its annual Kwanzaa celebrations, with scores of people of various races and ethnicity in attendance. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States, Canada and other nations of the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67. Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed, corn (Muhindi) and other crops, a candle holder kinara with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba), a communal cup for pouring libation (Kikombe cha Umoja), gifts (Zawadi), a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag. The symbols were designed to convey the seven principles.
Photo credits: Sarah Onyango
