Community members in Mount Vernon gathered at the Doles Center for an event that celebrated the first day of Kwanzaa.

The event was hosted by the city's Recreation Department, in association with the Afrikan Healing Circle and The Obey Foundation.

Representatives from the organizations said they facilitated it to bring awareness about the seven-day festival that honors African American and African culture.

Each day of the festival celebrates a different principle. So, organizers told News 12 that they planned their event around the theme of unity, which is the first principle of the festival.

To explore more of this theme, visitors got a chance to watch an African libation ceremony, listen to spoken word and support local Black vendors.