Round the Bend Farm celebrates Kwanzaa
The Kwanzaa candles representing the seven principles of the holiday. Photos by Kat Sheridan
Kids gather around as Samia Walker as she teaches about Kwanzaa.
A child writes down what she will be doing to spread light in her community. 
Sonora Strachan, 7, lights a Kwanzaa candle. 
Miles McHenry, 6, looks into the building intrigued by the Kwanzaa celebration.
The Kwanzaa candles representing the seven principles of the holiday. Photos by Kat Sheridan
Kids gather around as Samia Walker as she teaches about Kwanzaa.
A child writes down what she will be doing to spread light in her community.
Sonora Strachan, 7, lights a Kwanzaa candle.
Miles McHenry, 6, looks into the building intrigued by the Kwanzaa celebration.
Kids sat in a circle, discussing the seven principles of Kwanzaa while playing instruments and lighting candles to honor and learn more about the holiday.
Samia Walker volunteered to lead a Kwanzaa celebration during the Round the Bend open farm day on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles during the holiday: “Umoja” or unity, “kujichangulia” or self determination, “ujima” or collective work and responsibility, “ujamaa” or cooperative economics, “nia” or purpose, “kuumba” or creativity and “imani” or faith.
She taught children about the holiday, which starts on Dec. 26 and goes through Jan. 2. Each day, those celebrating light a candle while reflecting on that day’s principle. This is typically done over dinner and involves discussions and singing.
“Every day we get together, usually around a meal, and we discuss the principle, we talk about how it reflects amongst ourselves and in our family and how we’re going to also shine out into the community,” said Walker.
She added, “Then we share a meal together and usually tell a story or sing a song, something that brings us a little closer together while also learning something new.”
There were a variety of items available for kids to learn more— a seven-candle holder to light a candle each day, books about Kwanzaa, drums, juice to make a toast, fruits and other healthy snacks.
During the event, kids played in a drum circle, talked about the homemade items, their own traditions for the holidays and discussed the principles and how they are going to shine a light into the community.
“One thing that we ask the community to do as they celebrate the holiday season in whatever way they celebrate is to think about the question ‘How will you shine your light?’,” said Walker.
Dominic Facchiano, 6, is planning to spread his light by making a pillow fort and inviting everyone to be cozy in it. He described the event as “pretty good.”
“It’s all about community — that’s the highlight of everything,” said Walker.
