Why we celebrate—or don't celebrate Kwanzaa: for many African-Americans, post-Christmas holiday is filled with joy, confusion and ambivalence

Now a member of a Christian church, Sain says that he believes ha the principles of Kwanzaa but rarely sees them exhibited, even among Christians who practice it. "We don't live anything close to what goes on with Kwanzaa," he says. "Nor do we [live it] in churches where you are supposed to love your neighbor. In Black neighborhoods, the people don't even come out of the house. Is it fear? What is really going on?"

ABOUT KWANZAA

* Founded: 1966

* Purpose: The non-religious holiday celebrates family, community and culture, and reaffirms values of African culture

* Observed: December 26-January 1

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