The seven-day festival of Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-
American heritage and culture, began Monday. Here are some facts
about the holiday. - Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana
Karenga, now chair of Cal State Long Beach's Department of
Africana Studies, in what he called "an audacious act of self-
determination." - Kwanzaa's focus is the "Nguzo Saba," the Seven
Principles—unity, self-determination, collective work and
responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and
faith. - During the week, a candelabrum called a Kinara is lit,
and ears of corn representing each child in the family are
placed on a traditional straw mat. - African foods such as
millet, spiced pepper balls and rice are often served. Some
people fast during the holiday, and a feast is often held on its
final night. - A flag with three bars—red for the struggle for
freedom, black for unity and green for the future—is sometimes
displayed during the holiday. - Kwanzaa is based on the theory
of Kawaida, which espouses that soci