December 3, 2014

It’s Kwanzaa! December 26th - January 1st

Traditions serve many purposes. They can link your ancestors from the past to your present family, and can be carried to future generations through your children.Traditions reinforce family and cultural values - whether these traditions emphasize spending time with loved ones, making gifts for others, decorating your home, cooking up seasonal foods, dressing in special clothes, or other cherished activities. A new tradition was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach. As a scholar-activist , he saw the indispensable need to preserve, continually revitalize, and promote African American culture. Not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa welcomes all to participate. Kwanzaa draws from the cultures of many ethnic groups across Africa providing a chance to learn about unique traditions as well as universal themes. At CCM, our week-long Kwanzaa celebration will include music, food, storytelling, craft –making, and some fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

KWANZAA WEEK at Chesapeake Children’s Museum
Friday, December 26, 10:30 am: Ananse Tales and Drum Making
Saturday, December 27, 11 am - 1 pm: Kwanzaa 101 with Mrs. Spears
Sunday, December 28, 4:30 - 5:30 pm: A Musical Journey to Africa
Monday, December 29, 10:30 am: Ananse Tales and Mask Making
Tuesday, December 30, 10 - 11 am: Around the World
Wednesday, December 31, 3-7 pm: New Year’s Eve at City Dock
Thursday, January 1, 10 am: New Year’s Day Nature Walk