DeKALB | The Center for Black Studies will host a Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration at 7:00 tonight in the Stevenson Towers North multipurpose room.

Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural celebration from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. It is a combination of African and African-American traditions that celebrates the first fruits.

Each day of Kwanzaa celebrates a different principle, but they all begin the same way: the pouring of libation, a liquid offering to ancestors that honors parents, leaders and teachers, and shows reverence for those who have gone before, said Van Amos, programming coordinator for the CBS.

The event is free and open to all students. It will feature a performance by African dancer Nakia Brown, libations and a speech discussing the meaning of Kwanzaa, as well as symbols of Kwanzaa, a candle-lighting ceremony and a reception and banquet.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who thought that it was a good time to provide people of African descent with the opportunity to come together and recommit themselves to goodwill, celebrate and give thanks for what they received, recognize their ancestors and give thanks to the Creator.