Dr. Maulana Karenga is creator of Kwanzaa, an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world, according to the official Kwanzaa website. Kwanzaa was inspired by numerous African cultural practices. Dr. Karenga based the family-oriented holiday on traditional African harvest festivals. The name is derived from a Swahili phrase (matunda ya kwanza) meaning first fruits.
Kwanzaa began in 1966 during the aftermath of the Watts Riots in Los Angeles, allowing celebrants to encourage pride, and empower them to unify and celebrate family, community and culture. This holiday is held from December 26- January 1 each year, following Christmas. Seven principles known as Nguzo are recognized over the seven-day period.
“During the holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity); and lmani (Faith). Participants also celebrate with feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values,” per information provided by https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org.
Kwanzaa events in Baltimore have been compiled for your convenience. Check with organizers to confirm details.
The Tendea Family will hold their 4th annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Black Book Giveaway, located at 847 N. Howard Street, Baltimore, Maryland, Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 5-9 p.m. The evening will be filled with cultural performances, food and community spirit. Light the kinara, share stories, enjoy features of Black children’s books, giveaways, speakers, and more. See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tendea-familys-4th-annual-kwanzaa-celebration-tickets-1111844770639?msockid=1f7c920a8db76bb71b7b86a58cb06ac3 for more details and tickets.
The Tight Knit Family and special guests will host a Celebrate Kwanzaa event at the House of Chiefs, 4603 York Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212, will host Kwanzaa Week every day (Thursday December 26 – Wednesday January 1) from 1 – 5 p.m. Music, food, art and shopping are planned. Call Katelyn at (410) 499-5801 or Ertha Harris at (443) 655-7198 about vending.
The 18th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2024 from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Weinberg Y in Waverly, 900 E. 33rd Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218. A candle lighting ceremony, African storytelling, African drum and dance, Unity Dinner, and children’s activities will be held. Contact Baba Olamina Stevenson by email at olamina.stevenson@gmail.com or by phone at (443) 527-5527 if you would like more information.
Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures will host an annual Kwanzaa Celebration at 4330 Pimlico Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 on Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 4 – 7 p.m. Learn Kwanzaa Principles, enjoy art, music, food, poetry and more. Admission for adults is $5 and free for children under 10. Registration is required. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sankofa-childrens-museum-invites-you-to-our-2024-kwanzaa-celebration-tickets-1087243918829?msockid=1f7c920a8db76bb71b7b86a58cb06ac3 Sister Circle collection with Paula Brooks will hold aKwanzaa Celebration at Clay Pots, located at 1635 West Pratt Street Baltimore, Maryland 21223 on Monday, December 30, 2024 from 1 – 3 p.m. Celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa and their significance. See https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sister-circle-session-5-kwanzaa-celebration-tickets-1099999119979?aff=ebdssbdestsearch to obtain registration information.
