December 1986 - The first annual Kwanzaa celebration is held.

• The Afro-American Center holds its first Kwanzaa celebration. It becomes an annual tradition in Charlotte. 
• This week-long holiday was created 20 years earlier by California State University professor Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate African American heritage. 
• Based on an African harvest festival, Kwanzaa activities include candle-lighting and feasting. In Swahili, Kwanzaa means "first fruits." Its Nguzo Saba, or seven principles, are

Umoja: Unity
Kujichagulia: Self-determination
Ujima: Collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa: Cooperative economics
Nia: Purpose
Kuumba: Creativity
Imani: Faith