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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined members of the African-American community in preparing for the upcoming Kwanzaa holiday with a candle-lighting ceremony at the Surrogate's Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kaswahili, is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st. The holiday pays tribute to the rich cultural roots of African-Americans. It begins with the lighting of the Kinara, a candle holder which holds seven candles -- three green, three red and one black -- representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self determination, work/responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Joining the Mayor at the ceremony as Master of Ceremonies was Housing, Preservation and Development Commissioner Richard Roberts. The Mayor was also joined by Rudy Washington, Deputy Mayor for Community Development and Business Services; Richard Green, Chief Executive of the Crown Heights Youth Collective, Inc.; and the New York City Housing Authority Girls Choir led by the Reverend Dr. Greg McCants.
"It's an honor to participate in the commencement of the celebration of Kwanzaa," the Mayor said. "The seven principles of Kwanzaa mirror the founding principles that built our City and keep it strong. These principles are central not only to the strength and success of African-American New Yorkers, but to all New Yorkers. The candle of unity we light tonight is a reminder that we all share in common a desire to create a compassionate City of opportunity for ourselves and for our children."
The celebration of Kwanzaa was originated in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of African-American History at California State University.