(The Hill) — President Obama and the first lady sent out Kwanzaa greetings Sunday on the first day of the seven-day celebration.

“Michelle and I extend our warmest thoughts and wishes to all those who are celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season,” Obama said in a statement.

“Today is the first of a joyful seven-day celebration of African American culture and heritage. The seven principles of Kwanzaa — Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith — are some of the very values that make us Americans.”