"Habari gani?"

Excuse me?

"Habari gani? What's the news?"

If someone asks you habari gani this week, they are probably celebrating Kwanzaa, an annual African-American holiday to recognize their heritage. Habari gani is Swahili, the language used in Kwanzaa greetings, because it is non-ethnic and reflects the entire African continent. Usually celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, the Office of Multicultural Programs and the Black Student Cultural Programming Board hosts a week of events Nov. 10 to Nov. 16 for OU students.

The annual celebration culminates in a soul-food feast, the Karamu, featuring dishes such as ribs, catfish and cornbread.

Created in 1966 by Maulana Karena, a professor of black studies, Kwanzaa is similar to Thanksgiving. It is a time to gather for recognition of African-American heritage and achievements. The holiday focuses on the values of African culture, primarily centered on family and community, and the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of African culture, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Children are given gifts during Kwanzaa that include a book emphasizing the value and tradition of learning. Children also receive a heritage symbol, to reaffirm the African commitment to tradition and history.