December 14, 2018
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Dr. Barbara Sands, Administrator, Office of Human Rights, 410-313-6430
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Office of Human Rights invite the public to join them for an evening celebrating Kwanzaa, a seven-day festival commemorating African-American culture and heritage. The celebration will take place on Wednesday, December 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive Road 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 community, cultural heritage and family. Observed from December 26 thru January 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.
Today, 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 song and dance, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, lighting of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder) and a large traditional meal.
The County’s celebration on the 26th will include presentations from several community organizations.
For additional questions and/or more information about the event, contact the Office of Human Rights at 410-313-6430.