The Kwanza Celebration will be held at the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd in Laurel, Md. This celebration demonstrates the passing of Cultural, community and family traditions from the Elders to the younger generations.  This program is on December 26, at 7:00 PM.
 
Kwanza was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana for all people of African descent. It is intended to reaffirm the culture and values as well as the bonds that hold a people together. “ Kwanza” which means  “first fruits” in the African language of Swahili, is celebrated for 7 days, from December 26th  thru January 2nd..
Swahili is the language used at KWANZA because it is spoken widely through Africa.
 
There are 7 PRINCIPLES  and 7 SYMBOLS of Kwanza.  The 7 principles include;  unity, self-determination, Collective work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. The 7 SYMBOLS include: Crops, a Mat, Candle Holder, Corn, Gifts, Unity Cup, and the 7 candles.
 
Kwanza has become an important holiday.  It is now celebrated by millions of people the world over in the United States, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean,
Australia and Most of the countries in Africa.  All families pass their cultures and values to the younger generations for the continuation of the long memories of the legacy of their ancestors  and the hope for a prosperous the future.
The public is invited to come and celebrate Kwanza as people remember their family history and traditions.
 
There are 7 Community organizations presenting this year; THE DIVA READERS, AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE CENTER, NAACP, CONTENITALS, GRANDMOTHERS CRY, THE SOCIETY, and ALWAYS ABIDING IN GOD MINISTRY OF JESSUP, and VOLLEY BALL TEAM MEMBERS of LONG REACH HIGH SCHOOL.
Many county government agencies are also participating in this event.

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