New Haven is embracing a “Let Your Light Shine” theme this year for Kwanzaa. “Kwanzaa is an affirmation and recognizing of our African-American descent and our rich heritage,” said Elaine Peters, the president and founder of the Community Kwanzaa Association of New Haven.

Kwanzaa celebrations began in full force on Thursday. Democrats need to take a stand against Electoral College votes for a person disqualified by the Constitution. Not everyone enjoyed Beyoncé's Christmas Day halftime performance.

If you'd like to celebrate, there will be Kwanzaa events across Michigan this season. Here's what to know. Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. Kwanzaa is a weeklong African American and Pan-African holiday celebrating culture and community.

Kwanzaa, the week-long celebration honoring African heritage, begins today and many have already begun to observe it.

Many people who observe Kwanzaa, which is a secular holiday, celebrate it alongside religious festivals such as Christmas.