L.A. Kwanzaa parade, oldest in the world, kicks off weeklong celebration

South L.A. celebrated the first day of Kwanzaa on Thursday.

The 48th annual L.A. Kwanzaa Parade, billed as the oldest such parade in the world, kicked off at the corner of Adams and Crenshaw boulevards for a two-mile trek to Leimert Park. It was full of music, fun and so much more.

"It's necessary (to celebrate Kwanzaa) so that we could bring our community together and to celebrate together as a culture, to bring the historic culture back to the community," parade goer Terri Poche said.

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It's a celebration of unity and love. The final day of Kwanzaa is called Imani which translates to Faith.

"Faith means that we are together, that we will get through whatever is that is coming down the pike," parade goer Laneay London said. "And, faith that we are going to continue like we always have. We've been here for thousands and thousands of years. So little troubles and wars and everything else. So, we'll be here."