Kwanzaa’s principles find their roots in African cultures, but the message of building a strong community is universal, says a specialist in cultural studies and diversity at Wright State University.

“This was originated in the African-American community, but is a celebration that encompass all people interested in strengthening the community,” said Dana Murray Patterson, director of the Wright State University’s Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong, non-religious holiday, which runs Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, that pays homage to African principles and values. It was created by Africana professor Ron Karenga and was first celebrated 45 years ago.

“The focus is not on buying gifts. The focus is not on spending money. The focus is on humanity,” said Patterson.

A Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration of the principle Nia (Purpose) is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Sinclair Community College’s building 8.

There will be soul food, art, African drumming and dancing and vendors at the free event organized by ABLE Youth Leaders Institute and sponsored by Sinclair and Montgomery County.

“It celebrates the best of what it is to be both African and human to the full extent,” organizer Bakari Lumumba said of Kwanzaa. “We focus on living these principle so we can reconstruct our lives in our own image.”

Getting to the true meaning of Nia — the fifth principle of Kwanzaa — will be a key part of the event.

Sharon Howard and Anthony Barwick’s The Conversation Piece discussion group will facilitate a talk on purpose, Lumumba said.

“A lot of people think their purpose is to make a lot of money or to look good,” said the Wright State. “We should do all that we can in our own way to make our community better than what was handed to us.”

Featured on greeting cards and postal stamps and celebrated in homes, community centers and churches around the country, Kwanzaa has become a widely observed mainstream holiday.

Still, misconceptions about the holiday persist, Patterson said.

“A lot of people say it is African-American Christmas and that is not true,” Patterson said. “They don’t understand how universal the principles are. They are not specific to any people. It doesn’t exclude anyone.”

At its heart, Patterson said Kwanzaa is an opportunity for community building.

“ ‘What is the community I live in?’ ‘What do I add to the community?” she said. “It makes people feel a responsibility for where they put their roots down. The more that we become aware of the principles of Kwanzaa, the more we will all be committed to the community where we live.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@DaytonDaily News.com