DURHAM, N.C. — Kwanzaa celebrations are taking place across our state starting December 26.

The season is an annual celebration of African American culture based on seven principles that promote unity and much more.

A drum teacher says the drums are a powerful instrument in the African culture and during Kwanzaa.

Teli Shabu teaches drum classes at no charge to students at Holton Career and Resource Center in Durham every Monday after school.

“The drums are like a physical kinesthetic way to utilize both sides of your brain. So when you drum, you’re engaging in math, you’re engaging in patterns on a very high level. You’re also multi-tasking,” Shabu said.

There’s a story behind the drums that Shabu likes to share with students, especially during the start of Kwanzaa’s weeklong celebrations.

“It’s a time for me to celebrate who I am and the creation of Kwanzaa was here, but the principles were taken from Africa,” Shabu explained.

Shabu, who came to the United States from West Africa as a child, makes the drums a part of his culture.

“The drums are not just for music but within our African societies, the drums are used to communicate. They’re used to communicate messages. They’re used to send signals,” Shabu stated.

In his country, drums were made from scratch. Shabu made some of the instruments himself, and he’s teaching kids that every single beat has purpose.

“This means a lot to me to make drums available. I put a lot of hard work into many of these drums. Some of my teachers have built some of the drums that I have here, and it’s important for those drums to be accessible,” Shabu explained.

“It has meaning for them today in their lives today, in modern times,” Shabu said.

There’s a Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa celebration from 1-6:30 p.m at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham December 26. There will be a candle lighting, performances and panel discussion.

There’s also a Kwanzaa celebration Thursday, December 29 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center.