People in the Hudson Valley are continuing the celebration of the African-American festival of Kwanzaa.

Observers gathered yesterday at the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains. Nearly 200 members of the community turned out in recognition of the annual event which celebrates the seven principles: unity, self determination, responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Other observances include the lighting of seven candles and end in a feast with gift-giving.

Kwanzaa celebrations started on Dec. 26 and go through Jan. 1.