*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2010 *

**Statement on the Observance of Kwanzaa **

*December 26, 2010 *

Michelle and I extend our warmest thoughts and wishes to all those who are celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. Today is the first of a joyful 7-day celebration of African American culture and heritage. The seven principles of Kwanzaa—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—are some of the very values that make us Americans.

As families across America and around the world light the *kinara* today in the spirit of *umoja*, or unity, our family sends our well wishes and blessings for a happy and healthy new year.

NOTE: This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary as a statement by the President and the First Lady.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Kwanzaa.

*Names:* Obama, Michelle.

*Subjects:* Kwanzaa.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201001099.