KINGSTON, N.Y. – As New Yorkers across the state celebrate Kwanzaa this week, organizations are bringing awareness to old principals through new traditions. 

Organizers from People's Place and Harambee Kingston worked together to host a unique Kwanzaa celebration for the community. The partnership is the first of its kind, yet Ubaka Hill, programing director for Harambee Kingston, said the project is necessary.

“Kwanzaa was actually established as a collective, cultural event in the 60s by someone name Karenga," Hill explained.

Growing up, Hill said Kwanzaa became a part of her annual traditions. That's why she feels so passionate about sharing the seven principles with others.

“Things like working together, cooperative economics, building communities together, creating beauty …leaving communities in better shape than we found it," Hill said are a part of Kwanzaa's foundation. 

Together, Hill and Harambee Kingston founder Tyrone Wilson created a space for the community to enjoy a feast, live music and the lighting of the Kinara (the candleholder that holds the seven candles that represent Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujanaa, Kuumba, Ujima, Nia and Imani.)

“There’s a lot of division in the world," Wilson said. "I’m hoping that this is going to be a big part of breaking down that division, that feeling of division."

Wilson said everyone was encouraged to come out and enjoy a free Kwanzaa celebration being held Friday at the Wellness Center in Kingston between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

"That feeling of Black over here, White over here – no," Wilson said. "We’re together. We do this together. We celebrate together. The community is the people, that’s what makes the community. And I hope people really feel embraced and welcomed.”