*Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 *

**Statement on the Observance of Kwanzaa **

*December 26, 2015 *

Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to families across the country celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. Today begins a weeklong celebration of African American heritage and culture through family and community festivities. Kwanzaa's seven principles—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—are also shared values that bind us as Americans. And in the spirit of the season, we reflect on the blessings of the past year and commit to building a brighter future for all our children. As families, friends, and neighbors come together today to light the kinara, our family sends our best wishes 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:* Holidays and special observances : Kwanzaa.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201500907.