Kwanzaa celebrations to spotlight African American culture begin in Capital Region

People across the Capital Region and around the world marked the beginning of Kwanzaa on Monday. The annual celebration of African American culture is observed for seven days, until January 1.

The Center for Law and Justice in Albany had an open house Monday to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa. They lit the first candle and handed out snack bags.

The celebration of family, community and culture was created in the U.S. in the 1960s as an opportunity for Black Americans to celebrate their culture.

“There are seven candles to represent both the African diaspora as well as struggle for freedom, and hope that things will get better, and people will learn to appreciate each other,” said Alice Green, Executive Director of the Center for Law and Justice.