CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) -- The International African American Museum in downtown Charleston kicked off Kwanzaa celebrations Thursday to honor the rich history of African American culture. The museum is hosting several educational arts and crafts workshops on Thursday and Friday showcasing a vibrant blend of food, conversation, and music. The programs are designed to highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which are each represented by a candle on the customary Kinara: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Organizers said they hope the program educates the community about the holiday and how its teachings can translate to daily life. So, thinking about these African principles, essentially around the first harvest, and how we can take some of those principles, those same ideals and themes, and utilize them to build support, sustain, and evolve communities here with this African American diasporic lens," said Brandon Reid, the museum's public historian. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1. Many people who observe Kwanzaa, which is a secular holiday, celebrate it alongside religious festivals such as Christmas. People of any faith, race or ethnic background can participate. The name Kwanzaa derives from “mutanda ya kwanza” a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits” or "first harvest."  The IAAM's workshops are free for anyone who purchases a museum ticket and registration is not required. The Associated Press contributed to this report.