Christmas and Hanukkah are over, but the lights are just beginning to shine for Kwanzaa celebrations in Westchester and Hudson Valley.

Bibi Elizabeth Kent is a Kwanzaa storyteller. For more than 15 years she's been spreading the word of the African-American holiday that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 on the heels of the civil rights movement by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Those celebrating Kwanzaa light the Kinara, which is comprised of one candle for each of the holiday?s seven nights, each one with its own meaning.

Kent says Dr. Karenga brought African-Americans together in a turbulent time so they could remember who they were. She says she is happy to carry on the tradition that he started four decades ago.