Holiday Celebrations Continue with Kwanzaa

For the past 45 years, people in the United States have celebrated Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage. Maulana Karenga created the holiday in 1966 with the goal of offering “an alternative to the existing holiday and give blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”

Celebrated from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, the name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza,’ or ‘first fruits of the harvest.’ Lighting a candle holder with seven candles, participating in a feat and gift-giving are common ways to celebrate Kwanzaa.

There are a number of Kwanzaa events in the area to help you celebrate:

• Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Kwanzaa Celebration at the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center in Brentwood.

• Wednesday, Dec. 28, 6:00 pm. – 9:00 p.m., Kwanzaa Festival at the Tucker Road Community Center in Fort Washington. This event is free, features dance, poetry and other festivities. Call 301-248-4404 for more information.

• Wednesday Dec. 28, Camp Kwanzaa, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (1600 Morris Road SE Washington). Family-friendly fun focusing on the seven days of Kwanzaa through interactive music, drama, dance, take-home crafts and more. Call 202-633-4844 for more information.