Week-long Kwanzaa celebrations kick off in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Tuesday, December 26th marked the first day of the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa.

The name comes from a Swahili phrase meaning ‘first fruits.’

The holiday was first observed in 1966.

It is a non-religious observation of African Americans’ ancestral roots that celebrates seven core principles.

Those include creativity, collective responsibility, self-determination, faith, and purpose.

The Burnett Eaton Museum Foundation is hosting events all week.

The kickoff event was held Tuesday night in Jackson Hall at Saint Marks Catholic Church on Grace Street.

Islah Speller is the Kwanzaa Coordinator.

She explained that the holiday is a celebration of family, community, and culture.

“This is for everyone, because the Kwanzaa principles apply to all of us,” she added.

Celebrations will continue through New Year’s Day at the church, from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening.