Kwanzaa Celebration In Ellicott City Dec. 26

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — A community celebration recognizing Kwanzaa will be held Dec. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of black studies at California State University, Long Beach, in 1966 to celebrate family, community and culture. Observed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, the Kwanzaa celebration is modeled after the first harvest celebrations in many African traditions. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili.

"Kwanzaa reminds us to honor family, culture, and community," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. "In Howard County, where our diversity and unity is our strength, the seven principles of Kwanzaa are important reminders during this holiday season and throughout the year."

According to Ball, millions of people around the world show their belief in Kwanzaa’s seven principles (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) and seven symbols (crops, a mat, candle holder, corn, gifts, unity cup and the 7 candles) with celebrations that often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, lighting of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder) and a large traditional meal.