The president, who is with his family in Hawaii, said:
"Today begins a celebration highlighting the rich African American heritage and culture through the seven principles of Kwanzaa -- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
"During this season, families come together to reflect on blessings of the past year and look forward to the promises in the year ahead. As we remain committed to building a country that provides opportunity for all, this time of year reminds us that there is much to be thankful for.
"As families around the world unite to light the Kinara today, our family extends our prayers and best wishes during this holiday season."
Umoja: Unity - Unity of the family, community, nation and race
Kujichagulia: Self-Determination - Being responsible for your own conduct and behavior.
Ujima: Collective work and responsibility - Working to help each other and in the community
Ujamaa: Cooperative economics - Working to build shops and businesses
Nia: Purpose - Remembering and restoring African and African American cultures, customs and history
Kuumba: Creativity - Using your imagination to make communities better
Imani: Faith - Believing in people, families, leaders, teachers and the righteousness of the African American struggle
Kwanzaa traditions: A special candle holder called a kinara is used during Kwanzaa.
A kinara holds seven candles, three red ones on the left, three green ones on the right with a black candle in the center. Each night during Kwanzaa a candle is lit. The black center candle is lit first and then it alternates between the red and green candles stating with the ones on the outside and moving inwards.
