ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - African American culture and rich history are being celebrated in the heart of Albany, as Thursday marks the first day of Kwanzaa.

An Albany organization called SOWEGA Rising has planned several events to commemorate Kwanzaa.

“Habari Gani. That’s our way of saying what’s the news or greetings in Kwanzaa,” said Sherrell Byrd, Co-founder and Executive director of SOWEGA Rising.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American Culture that follows after Christmas Day. The holiday began in California in 1966 and then moved all across the country.

Nyota Tucker helped bring Kwanzaa to Albany in the early 70s.

“I think it’s important. I think Kwanzaa is a road map to a healthy and happy community,” she said.

The Swahili language is used to describe the symbols and the principles of Kwanzaa. Each day a candle is lit to represent a principle that helped grow the African American community. For example, the first principle is Umoja, which means unity—a word residents say they want to bring to Albany.

“I’m just really excited that we are celebrating as a community. These principles will help us to make sure that we’re able to achieve what we need to as a people,” Tucker said.

With Albany already possessing a rich black history, event Byrd said it’s up to future generations to uphold traditions like Kwanzaa.

“Our civic duty is integral to the African American experience here not just in the country but here in Albany where we had the Albany Movement,” she said.

The scheduled events are as follows:

• Thursday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Charles Sherrod Park, AlbanyOpoly: Kawanzaa 229 Edition (Intro to Kwanzaa)
• Friday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thorton Community Center, Maze of Determination (Voting Challenge)
• Saturday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thorton Community Center, Taste of Kwanzaa (Food demos)
• Sunday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Thorton Community Center, Kwanzaa Crawl (Kwanzaa Bingo)
• Monday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Thorton Community Center, Vision Board Party
• Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 5 pm. to 8 p.m. at the Thorton Community Center, Paint, Dine, and Discuss (Pottery Painting)
• Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Horace King Overlook, Front Street (Seed Planting Ceremony)

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