Lighting the Candles starts in the middle with the black one. Then the candles are lit alternating red and green. As each candle is lit, we take turns reading the definition for each principle.

Our Matriarch welcomes our guests and empowers us to continue.

Sometimes we call out the names of loved ones. Perhaps they've been with us at other celebrations or we just want to acknowledge their influence in our lives. Without them, we would not be able to gather the way we do.
Some of the Heroes we respect and honor: Harriet Tubman, Dr Charles R Drew, Benjamin Banneker, Jam Master J, Michael Jackson, any family member or elder who has passed