From December 26 to January 1, a completely African-American based holiday is celebrated in many households.

The seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa has important meaning for both African-American past and future.

"Today we are going to be celebrating the second day of Kwanzaa," said Theresa Lawrence.

"To be able to look at ourselves and see where we came from and where we're about to go, and those are the foundations for what we need to have in our lives, everyday," said Derek Lawrence.

For seven days, Kwanzaa is celebrated by lighting candles and reciting seven principles.

"Different words that also our ancestors have lived by throughout the years," said Mariah Young.

It's a chance to remember their ancestors.

"Those who pretty much died for you so that we could have a purpose on the Earth, like Martin Luther King and all the great African American leaders who have suffered through hard times," said Young.

"You actually get to sit down, and you get to talk to younger ones about the history of African Americans and what maybe their great-great-great-grandmother or grandfather had been through, or even somewhat more recent like a grandmother or a mother," said Brittany Carter.

With symbols like ears of corn representing the number of children in the family and passing around a unity cup, Kwanzaa is the only African-American based holiday.

"It can be celebrated in any home," said Carter. "You don't have to be any certain race. It's just you reflect on the history of what African Americans have been through."

Since it was only created in 1966, many hope more begin to celebrate.

"We get together with families throughout the Christmas season to celebrate this, and each time, each year we get more and more people involved, and that's how it's actually going to grow, through more and more people," said Derek Lawrence.

The Lay Organization of Taylor Chapel A.M.E. Church will sponsor the annual Kwanzaa service this Tuesday night, December 29, at the First Christian Church of Bowling Green at 6pm.

The entire community is invited.