Photo: Boston Public Library
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Friday marks the first day of Kwanzaa — an annual celebration that pays homage to African-American culture and values.
Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the holiday combines an array of activities that end with a feast called Karamu on Dec. 31. The name derives from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "fresh fruit," in Swahili.
During the holiday, people light a candle each night and review one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba:
- Unity
- Self-determination
- Collective work and responsibility
- Cooperative Economics
- Purpose
- Creativity
- Faith
Here is a list of a few events happening in Massachusetts to honor the holiday:
- Kwanzaa Krawl
- Friday, December 26, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, The Shaw-Roxbury Branch and Parker Hill Branch.
- Saturday, December 27, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, The Shaw-Roxbury Branch and Parker Hill Branch.
- Monday, December 29, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, The Shaw-Roxbury Branch and Parker Hill Branch.
- The South End Brunch Club Presents The Mel King Brunch - Self Determination
- Saturday, December 27, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Piano Craft Gallery
- NAACP Berkshire County Presents: Practicing the Seven Principles in Dimly Lit Times: Lifting Up the Light, Hurrying the Dawn
- Saturday, December 27, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Common Room, Zion Lutheran Church
- The Knights and Ladies of Saint Peter Claver and the Black Catholic Apostolate of the Diocese of Springfield
- Sunday, December 28, 8:30 am, St. Michael’s Cathedral’s Bishop Marshall Center