NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — On the third day of Kwanzaa, the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority celebrated the African American cultural holiday. Drums, dance performances and people filled the McDonogh 35 High School gym to engage in the culturally rich celebration of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate African American cultural heritage and traditional values. The Allstate Sugar Bowl Parade set to dazzle New Orleans Organizers say it has been 10 years since they held the annual event, explaining Kwanzaa is a time for reflection, connection and cultural pride. "We do have some music, some dancers, and we think that's going to resonate well with the students. But then also we want, for the adults as well as the students to appreciate this and to make this be a long-lasting tradition that they participate," said First Vice President Andrea Thomas-Reynolds. Others say the event brings the youth together, showing the positive sides to help lead everyone in the direction of action to improve communities. "A lot of our youth, you know, you hear a lot of different things in regard to what's going on in the community, which was gone and on the news. But we want them to be able to come and have a positive experience with African American culture," said Kwanzaa Committee Co-Chair Stephanie B. Jackson. Home for the Holidays: From homeless to housed "You know, I had my friend here. He is the reason why I'm here. For us to celebrate Kwanzaa and what it symbolizes. Be amongst the community," said attendee Kayonna Armstrong. With so many in attendance, Zyairre Lewis says it was a breath of fresh air taking in the performances and learning more about what all Kwanzaa is about. "I'm here because I love like this. Bringing us the knowledge, and the history of kwanzaa out into the community," said Lewis. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts These were the 10 most popular housing markets in 2024 Eight wounded following St. John the Baptist Parish shooting US children are struggling with reading — and so are adults These are America's safest small towns: report UPDATE: Search for suspects continues in Mississippi after Ford pickup found