The seventh annual Kwanzaa Crawl celebration kicked off in Crown Heights on Thursday.

Thousands of people gathered to celebrate Black history, culture and community all while supporting local Black-owned businesses.

"It is the largest celebration for Black-owned businesses in the world," event founder Kerry Coddett said.

The event has grown since its launch in 2016, now supporting over 80 businesses and raising over $2 million in the New York-based storefronts.

Seven principles are celebrated over the seven days of Kwanzaa. Organizers noted the first day is about unity.

"It's not about the different shades of Black. It's seeing everyone as one," team leader Jamell Henderson said.

The crawl spanned over 24 Black-owned businesses in Brooklyn, with 70 teams participating.