The Concerned Citizens of Tillery will host its 27th Annual Holiday Fellowship Hour on Monday, December 27, at 3 p.m. at the Tillery Community Center.  While the Open Minded Seniors and other elders will lead in the spirituality of the Christmas season, CCT members, Nubian Youth and visitors will lead the celebration of Kwanzaa.

The Holiday Fellowship Hour allows the CCT membership, community, friends and CCT supporters to come together to celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa and the new year.

Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and runs through January 1 of each year.  It is an African American holiday created by Maulana Karenga during the Black Consciousness Movement of the 1960s.

Kwanzaa serves as an affirmation of ethnic values and identity during a traditionally European holiday season.

The word Kwanzaa is derived from a Swahili word meaning first fruits.

It is the celebration of the harvest, when the village collectively gives thanks and celebrates the rewards of its labors.

During the CCT Holiday Fellowship Hour, there will be a gift exchange.

Those who wish to participate should bring a gift, valued at no less than $5, suitable for male or female, with no name on or in the package.

Gary R. Grant, executive director of the CCT, says, “The CCT Kwanzaa Celebration was the first in the area, instituted with CCT in 1983, and continues to grow each year.  It is an opportunity for people to learn about this African American celebration and its true meaning.”

Grant said CCT celebrates a year round Kwanzaa to help the community and especially the youth, “Learn and implement in their lives the principals of this most important celebration of family, community, education and faith.”

There is no admission to the Holiday Fellowship Hour Celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Everyone is invited to join with CCT for this occasion and is encouraged to wear Afro-centric attire for the occasion.

Refreshments will be served. For additional information, contact the CCT office at 252-826-3017.