Kwanzaa Ceremony Heralds the Holiday Season

The African American Cultural Center's annual Kwanzaa event included the lighting of candles, a blessing, and a shared meal.

The candle lighting ceremony commences in the Student Union on Dec. 9, 2011. (Max Sinton for UConn)

The candle lighting ceremony commences in the Student Union on Dec. 9, 2011. (Max Sinton for UConn)

The Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony commences in the African American Cultural Center on Dec. 9. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
The Kwanzaa candle lighting ceremony commences in the African American Cultural Center on Dec. 9. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
The Voices of Freedom gospel choir sings during the Kwanzaa celebration. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
The Voices of Freedom gospel choir sings during the Kwanzaa celebration. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
Shantel Honeyghan performs a dance and gives a Kwanzaa blessing to the audience. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
Shantel Honeyghan performs a dance and gives a Kwanzaa blessing to the audience. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
A Kwanzaa meal is served at the African American Cultural Center on Dec. 9. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
A Kwanzaa meal is served at the African American Cultural Center on Dec. 9. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
Members of the audience enjoy their meal at the African American Cultural Center's Kwanzaa night. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)
Members of the audience enjoy their meal at the African American Cultural Center's Kwanzaa night. (Max Sinton '15 (CLAS)/UConn Photo)