The 23rd annual Kwanzaa Celebration, sponsored by the Nia Cultural Center, will be celebrated this evening the Old Central Cultural Center in Galveston.  The theme of this year’s event is  “Working Together to Return Our Community to its Traditional Greatness”.

The event will begin with the opening of the Kwanzaa market at 5 p.m.  The market will feature vendor booths and business opportunities.  The official Kwanzaa celebration will begin at 6 p.m.

“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense,” said Dr. Maulana Karenga, identified as the founder of Kwanzaa on the event’s official website. “Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice.”