Barack Obama 2015-07-01 2 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.