Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrated by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1. It pays tribute to the rich cultural roots of Americans of African ancestry, and celebrates family, community,and culture.Kwanzaa means the first or the first fruits ofthe harvestand is based on the ancient African first-fruit harvest celebrations. The modern holiday of Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr.Maulana Karenga,a professor at the California State University in Long Beach, California. The seven-day celebration encourages people to think about their African roots as well as their life in present-day America. The seven fundamental principles on which Kwanzaa is based are referred to as the Nguzo Saba. These rules consist of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Participants celebrate by performing rituals such as lighting the kinara. The kinara is symbolic of the continental Africans.Each ofits seven candles represents a distinct principle beginning with unity, the black center candle. Talking with family, drumming,singing,and dancing are all part ofthe celebration activities.Which of the seven principles does the black center candle of the kinara represent?