Celebrate Kwanzaa 2021 Virtually In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — On Dec. 28 at 6 p.m., the community can celebrate Kwanzaa virtually on the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity Facebook page from the Owen Brown Interfaith Center.

“Kwanzaa reminds us to honor family, culture, and community," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. "Sharing in the seven principles of Kwanzaa provides guidance for all our lives and celebrates that diversity and inclusion make us a stronger, united community. I look forward to honoring the spirit of this holiday with thoughtful speeches and meaningful performances.”

The official theme for Kwanzaa is "Ensuring the Well-Being of the World," noted Kwanzaa Committee Co-Chair Claudia Allen.

“I cannot help but feel that holding this event virtually honors that. Together, we will still recommit ourselves to ensuring the well-being of the world and our communities through a celebration of African American culture," Allen said.

The celebration features inspirational speeches and performances exploring the seven principles of Kwanzaa - unity, creativity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose and faith. The virtual event highlights speeches from:

• Howard County NAACP President Willie Flowers;
• Equity & Restorative Practices Manager, Dr. Denise Boston;
• Morgan State University Students;
• Zhion Perkins and Allen Dixon; and
• Kori Jones, Recreation Supervisor, Howard County Recreation & Parks

Attendees also will be entertained by special performances from Paul Thompson, Janssen Evelyn, Denée Barr and the Celebration Liturgical Dance Ministry.