The HUB Alumni Hall was decorated in the colors of Kwanzaa, its tables draped in red and green cloths.

The guests themselves were decorated, many donning traditional African costumes that reflected the red, green and black colors of the holiday.

Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African-American ancestry, culture and community, and last Friday, Penn State saw its second annual Kwanzaa Extravaganza.

About 150 people attended the event, striving to "(look) to the past. . .to move forward with unity."

The program contained sections of reflection and remembrance, reassessment and recommitment, and rejoicing and praising.

Maulana Ron Karenga developed Kwanzaa in 1966. Kwanzaa is not tied to any particular religion, but is instead "a celebration of the oneness and goodness of life."

It incorporates seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, designed to emphasize the unity of African-American families.

The principles are Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. These principles include ways to strengthen family and community ties.

The ceremony of Kwanzaa is linked to a candelabrum of seven candles, three red, three green and one black.

On the first night of Kwanzaa, Dec. 26, the black candle is lit, and is continually lit every subsequent evening as more candles are added.

According to Enrique Neblett (graduate-clinical psychology), secretary of the Black Graduate Student Association, the black candle represents both the African people and the principle of Unity, which is why it is lit every night.

The green candle represents the land of Africa, and the red candle represents the blood of the people that has been shed.

A key part of the event was during the kukumbuka, when seven members of the Black Graduate Student Association spoke about their individual experiences with the seven principles.

The principle of Unity is the most important to Kwanzaa, which is why it is listed first.

"It's a celebration of our ancestors," Neblett said. "It's something that we can all celebrate together, regardless of where our ancestors are from in Africa and what religion we practice."

"Kwanzaa is a symbolism of our connection back to Africa," said Andrew Jackson, a member of Urban Fusion and an academic advisor for the College of Education.

Kwanzaa emphasizes creativity. For example, some families may choose to tell stories that represent the seven principles, or they may make up their own.

"There's no correct way to practice Kwanzaa," said Neblett. "It's all about what feels right to you."

Kwanzaa runs from December. 26 to January. 1 every year.

Lawrence Young, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, provided the kuchunguza tena na, or the reassessment and recommitment speech.

Both the NOMMO Dance Troupe and Urban Fusion provided entertainment during the event.

The free event was presented by the Black Caucus and Black Graduate Student Association and was funded by the University Park Allocation Committee.