Kwanzaa, the weeklong secular celebration of African culture, history and community, begins on Friday and runs through next Thursday.
Across the Baltimore area, restaurants, community spaces and places of worship are preparing to celebrate Kwanzaa with food, performances and activities that emphasize the holiday’s seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Below is a guide to eight Kwanzaa celebrations kicking off in and around Baltimore.
The Maryland Zoo
On Friday, The Maryland Zoo will offer all-day Kwanzaa festivities and activities, such as a kids craft station, scavenger hunt, and story time. Kwanzaa expert Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith will make an appearance at noon. The events are free to attend with zoo admission or membership; information about the program and how to purchase admission can be found on the zoo’s website. One Safari Place. (410) 396-7102. marylandzoo.org.
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
This Catonsville Park and Museum will host a candle-lighting event on each day of Kwanzaa, beginning on Friday at 3:30 p.m. After each lighting, the Banneker team will welcome a discussion of each principle of the day. 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville. (410) 887-1081. discoverbaltimorecounty.com.
The Weinberg Y in Waverly
The Weinberg Y’s 19th annual Kwanzaa celebration will take place on Friday at 6:30 p.m., and will be complete with a candle-lighting ceremony, African drum and dance, a Karamu (Unity Dinner) and moments of conversation across generations. 900 E. 33rd St. (410) 889-9622. ymaryland.org/locations/weinbergy.
Baltimore County Public Library Owings Mills Branch
On Saturday at 2 p.m., Kwanzaa expert Jessica “Culture Queen” Smith will teach children how to celebrate the seven principles of the holiday. Educational activities will include songs, crafts, games and storytelling. 10302 Grand Central Ave., Owings Mills. (410) 887-2092. events.bcpl.info.
Mt. Zion Church of Baltimore
Ashburton’s Mt. Zion Church of Baltimore will be the site of a Kwanzaa party on Saturday at 1 p.m. sharp. Attractions include candle lighting, Kwanzaa history education, Caribbean sorbet and a martial arts demonstration. 3050 Liberty Heights Ave. (410) 207-6082 or (443) 413-3448. mtzionbaltimore.org.
Eubie Blake Cultural Arts Center
Ensemble performances and spoken word will take center stage at this Sunday’s event, which will span from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Eubie Blake Cultural Arts Center, the party will also feature theater and dance classes, an African marketplace and arts and crafts activities for children. 847 N. Howard St. (410) 225-3130. eubieblake.org.
House of Chiefs
From Sunday through Thursday, Wilson Park jazz club House of Chiefs will host speakers and celebrations for the remaining five nights of Kwanzaa. The first event, during which food will be served, starts Sunday at 3 p.m., with free tickets available to reserve on Eventbrite. 4603 York Road. (410) 532-6424. https://www.facebook.com/TheHouseofChiefs.
TNAT Holistic Wellness Center
On Sunday at 3 p.m., TNAT will host two special guests — African activist and creative Obi Egbuna Jr. and hip-hop artist and educator Bomani “The Watermelon Man” Armah — for its Kwanzaa celebration. The event, held in conjunction with TNAT’s Njia Rite of Passage, will feature a ceremony, live performances and family-friendly activities. 5525 Harford Road. (410) 777-5020. templeofnat.org.
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