Obama sends Kwanzaa greetings

HONOLULU (AP) — President Barack Obama is wishing a “happy and healthy new year” to those celebrating Kwanzaa.

Obama issued his final annual Kwanzaa message as president Monday.

He said Kwanzaa is a joyous time to “reflect on the rich African-American culture.”

Obama emphasized the principles enshrined in the Kwanzaa holiday: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. He said those principles reflect Americans’ most cherished values.

The White House released the greetings from Obama while the president and his family are vacationing in Hawaii.