An Oklahoma man recalled his first time learning about Kwanzaa and told News 9 on Friday that he wanted to educate others on the holiday and its cultural traditions.

Michael Washington, Founder of Empower People Inc. & Oklahoma Coalition Against People Abuse, said he first learned about Kwanzaa 35 years ago.

“A guy asked me to come with him one day. He said, ‘Kwanzaa.’ I said ‘What is Kwanzaa? I don’t want to go to Kwanzaa. What is that?’” remembered Washington. “I took the invitation, went, then I started learning about it, and I said to myself, ‘Wow, this is great. Really!’”

Today, he said he uses what he has learned over the years to educate others.

“Kwanzaa, meaning the first fruits, is simply learning about your culture, your history, your knowledge, your God, your religion, great pioneers, great educators, great harvesters, great farmers,” he detailed.

Each day of Kwanzaa, families light a candle on the kinara, or seven-branched candelabra, representing one of the seven principles celebrated during the holiday, Washington explained.

Washington described the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba)—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—using traditional symbols such as fruits, libation cups, African clothing, chains (symbolizing past oppression and freedom), and artwork.

“If you follow the seven-day principle, it’s no question– you will become successful,” he stated.

He listed the seven principles in order:

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

Washington said Kwanzaa is for anyone to observe.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. (KOKH) — Oklahoma City Police are looking to identify a person in reference to a fraud case at Best Buy in the 5800 block of N. May Avenue.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers 405-235-7300, or www.okccrimetips.com and reference case # 25-93839.

A cash reward may be possible.

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The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 25, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

4-8-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

23-29-31-37-45, Lucky Ball: 16

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

03-06-19-20-35

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

• Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
• You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
• Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
• Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
• Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
• Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
• Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
• Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
• Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.