Times Staff Report
Kwanzaa, the African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating history, values, family, community and culture will be observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, in Birmingham and culminates in gift giving and a feast. The weeklong festivities were first celebrated in 1966, honoring African heritage in African American culture.
Celebrations begin at the Boutwell Auditorium on Friday with the principle of Umoja, which means unity. It’s followed by Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith)…