Just as there is no substitute for family, Kwanzaa’s presence and principles remind us that there is no substitute for personal and family values that lead to personal success.

 It captures the best of both worlds: the giving of Christmas and the resolutions affiliated with New Year’s Day. The celebration is positioned neatly between Christmas and New Year’s where it uniquely reflects both the spirit of giving and family and the principles that one should adhere to in order to be a better person and a successful community resident as well.

 Kwanzaa, the weeklong celebration honoring African-American heritage and culture and uniting family and community is recognized from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It features the lighting of a candle holder with seven candles. One candle is lit daily, each one in celebration of one of the seven principals of African heritage: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Come celebrate these Kwanzaa events in the spirit of community.

Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa!

December 20, 10:15 am & 12 pm

The Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts

5445 Landover Road

Cheverly, MD 20784

301-277-1710

www.pgparks.com

Early Keepers' Program: Celebrate the New Year with Kwanzaa

December 27, 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Laurel Museum

817 Main Street

Laurel, MD 20707

301-725-7975

www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org

Kwanzaa Day Celebration

December 28, 5-7 pm

Presented by Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center

Gold Room

8600 Glenarden Parkway

Glenarden, MD

301-209-0592

www.pgaamcc.org

Kwanzaa Festival

December 28, 6-9pm

Tucker Road Community Center

1771 Tucker Road

Fort Washington, MD

301-248-4404

www.pgparks.com

In the area:

Camp Kwanzaa

December 28, 10:30am

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church

1600 Morris Road SE

Washington, DC

202-633-4844

Kwanzaa Family Day

December 28, 1-5pm

Baltimore Museum of Art

10 Art Museum Drive

Baltimore, MD 21218

443-573-1700

www.artbma.org

Kwanzaa Art Workshop

December 30, 10:30am-12:30pm; 1:30-3:30 pm

Anacostia Community Museum

1901 Fort Place SE

Washington, DC

202-633-4844