Kwanzaa begins across the Triangle

Christmas is over, but another celebration is just beginning. Friday marked the start of Kwanzaa, a seven-day holiday that celebrates African culture.

The celebration also serves as an opportunity to reaffirm traditional African values and beliefs, including the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Kwanzaa is a fairly new celebration, having been around for a little more than 40 years. It has grown in popularity over the years as more African-Americans want to learn about their heritage.

Events are planned for Tuesday in Cary and Durham, and another event will be held in Durham on New Year's Day.