Kwanzaa celebration begins in Wilmington

Another holiday is just getting started. Saturday marked the first night of the celebration of Kwanzaa.

The holiday is a week-long celebration of African culture, heritage and ancestry. Each year millions of African Americans gather and reflect on the year past and refocus themselves on the seven African principles of unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each night, a different principle is honored with the lighting of a candle on the Kinara.

Islah Speller, Burnett-Eaton Museum Foundation said a different message will be given each night. No counselors, no mental health, no medication, it’s strictly what you’ve learned over the years and what we have to share together collectively.

Here in Wilmington, the Burnett Eaton Museum Foundation will host a public Kwanzaa celebration each night through Friday at 7:30 p.m.