Creative Philadelphia and the Kwanzaa Cooperative kick off the weeklong Kwanzaa holiday with a unity celebration at City Hall’s Mayor’s Reception Room 202, featuring remarks from City officials, performances by the Tyehimba African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and the ceremonial lighting of the Umoja (Unity) candle. This Pan-African and African American holiday brings families and communities together to honor ancestors and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Throughout the holiday, the large City Hall kinara will be displayed on the south side near the Octavius Catto statue, with a new candle lit each day.