Kwanzaa, which begins today, is a seven-day celebration created during the civil rights movement that focuses on cultivating and appreciating the lives of African Americans, their past and present.

KWANZAA IS a week-long celebration of African American culture, history, values and community that started Thursday and continues through the end of the year. Maulana Ron Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1996 to celebrate the history,

Robertson says Kwanzaa is a celebration of the African American community. "Kwanzaa was for communities of Pan Americans and African Americans to help celebrate what we consider our community, our families, and our children to bring us back together and bring some established principles in our lives," Robertson said.