Kwanzaa, a festival celebrating African-American culture and its history in the United States, dates back to the 1960s, a time when the black community was struggling with self-identity and equality.

“It was important for our community to recognize who we are and to bring about a tradition and a celebration that's identifying just us,” said Malinda Ware of the UJIMA Children’s Literacy Program.

The Newburgh Free Library and the Ujima Children’s Literacy Program brought together a celebration of the third principle of Kwanzaa, collective work and responsibility, also known as Ujima.

Many shared that passing on this culture to the younger generation is important for them to feel more represented and understand and respect their culture and its heritage.

In the African language Swahili, Kwanzaa means fresh fruits and signifies the harvest season, which brings communities together in a festive spirit.

The Ujima program, which brought together the event, is a monthly reading program for youth to encourage families to read and build their own libraries with African-American authors.

“I would hope that they see something in them that will spark a flame, a fire that will grow, that will continue to grow,” Ware said.