Queens’ African American community is gearing up to celebrate Kwanzaa, the cultural celebration of family, community and culture in the United States that begins on Dec. 26.

In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of the Black Studies Department at California State University, established Kwanzaa, to celebrate African American
and Pan African cultures here in the U.S.

Using the Swahili language in memorandum of its ancient Egyptian and Nubian roots, Kwanzaa celebrates the "matunda ya kwanzaa" or first fruits for the harvest season.

Building on this celebration, Dr. Karenga established the cultural reflection to commemorate the good of life and existence through gathering together in reverence and recommitment to the highest cultural ideals.

This year, from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, the minimum ideals stressing history, values, family, community and culture will be recorded on each day concentrating upon the resoluted principles.

A candle will be lit on the kinara each day upon which the principle of the day must be celebrated.

The ideals celebrated this year are as follows:

• Dec. 26 will represent Umoja or unity.
• Day two is Kujuchagulia or self determination.
• Day three is Ujima or collective work and responsibility.
• Day four is Ujamaa or cooperative economics.
• Day five is Nia, which means purpose.
• Day six is Kuumba or creativity and day seven is Imani or faith.

"Alot of children between the ages of 10 and 14, do not know about Africa or thier African heritage," said a spokesperson from Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Jamaica.

"There were no books about it 10 to 15 years ago," said the spokesperson adding, "Kwanzaa is a time to reconnect with Africa and learn your history."

The Jamaica based youth organization New York Educational Service Team focuses on empowering youth and publishes a quarterly "Young Progressor" newsletter which recognizes the holiday’s principles which are to be practiced throughout the year.

"The principles of Kwanzaa should last with us from day to day throughout our lives" said founder Richmond Nelson. "Our January progam at York College comes after the holiday, but is in recognition of Kwanzaa," he said.

P.S. 132 in Jamaica decided to hold a pre-Kwanzaa celebration festival on Thursday, December 20th because, "Kwanzaa is based on building the African-American community by digging into the past," said the school’s multicultural coordinator, Dr. Melva Jackman.

"We will have a presentation at the school to make sure children and the community understands the principles and the holiday," Jackman said. "Our school recognizes all holidays," added Jackman, "With a 99 percent African-American population at our school, Kwanzaa is a way to dig into the past."

To celebrate Kwanzaa, choose a central place in the household to set its symbols.

Usually, a table spread with a piece of African cloth is used.

Then, the Mkeka(mat) is placed over the table with the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) which are placed inside the Kinara (candle holder) over the Mkeka.

There, candles are colored black (for the people), red (for the struggle) and green (for the hope in the future that comes through the struggle).

There is one black candle, three red and three green to represent the seven principles of Nguzo Saba.

The placement of the candles in the Kinara is very important.

First place the black candle in the center of the Kinara.

This candle represents the prinicpal of Umoja.

The red candles are placed to the left of the black candle and represents Kujichagulia, Ujamaa and Kuumba.

The other green candles are placed on the right side of the black candle and represent Ujima, Nia and Imani.

On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit followed by the rest of the candles from left to right. One candle is lit for each day until the end of the Kwanzaa celebration. This order represents that people came first, then the struggle that was followed by the hope that is brought by the struggle.

STAMP OF APPROVAL: The U.S. Postal Service has commemorated Kwanzaa with the issuance of a stamp to celebrate the holiday.

Then two ears of corn are placed in the Mkeka to represent Mazao. According to practice, ears of corn are placed regardless if the household has children or not.

In African tradition, every adult is considered an immediate social parent to all the children in his or her community.

Next the Kikombe Cha Umoja is placed on the Mkeka and used to pour Tambiko (libation) to the ancestors who without their sacrifices, the community and its people would not be.

It is important to note that throughout the ceremony, objects of African art and literature should be placed near the Mkeka to symbolize a commitment to heritage and learning.

A Kwanzaa craft project is a perfect way to come together and get into the spirit of the season, by decorating with African accents as well as the Kwanzaa colors of red, green and black.

"Crafting is a wonderful way to get the true meaning of a holiday," said Susan Brandt, assistant director and director of communications of the Hobby Industry Association (HIA). "It’s all about traditions, spending time together and making something special with your loved ones."

Kwanzaa is a Swahili term that signifies "first fruits of the harvest," and the following Golden Magnolia Wreath project is a colorful symbol of the seven-day celebration. Follow the instructions below to make a wreath that will be a striking addition to any Kwanzaa gathering:

Magnolia or other leafy wreath (18")
Gold spray paint
Ribbon 1½" wide (four yards)
Large fruit picks
Magnolia leaf picks or picks to match wreath
Fabric scissors, hot glue gun, glue sticks, craft wire (6") and wire cutters.