The Concerned Citizens of Tillery will host its 29th Annual Holiday Fellowship Hour on Sunday afternoon, December 30 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 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 of each year and runs through January 1.
It is an African American Holiday created by Dr. 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 in this aspect of the program should bring a gift, valued at no less than $5, suitable for male or female, with no name on or in the package. There is also a meal of fellowship following the program.
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 went on to say, “CCT celebrates a year round Kwanzaa to help the community and especially the youth learn and implement the seven principals of Kwanzaa in their daily lives.”
The seven qualities are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
There is no admission to the Holiday Fellowship Hour Celebration of Christmas and Kwanzaa. Everyone is invited to join with CCT and people are encouraged to wear Afro-centric attire.
For additional information, contact the CCT office at 252-826-3017.
