Kwanzaa is a time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to celebrate African American culture. It is celebrated annually from December 26 through January 1. The Theme for 2024 is “Celebrating Kwanzaa in Difficult and Demanding Times: Lifting Up the Light that Lasts.” During the holiday, participants celebrate with feasts (karamu), music, dance, poetry, narratives and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values to begin a new calendar year.
Families and communities organize activities around the Nguzo Saba, The Seven Principles, as follows: Umoja (Unity), December 26; Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), December 27; Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), December 28; Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), December 29; Nia (Purpose), December 30; Kuumba (Creativity), December 31; and lmani (Faith), January 1.
Kwanzaa Nashville, in partnership with Plaza Mariachi Music City, is once again bringing a special Kwanzaa celebration to the Greater Nashville Community. This will be a FREE family friendly event where all are welcome and children and adults can learn about the rich traditions of the Kwanzaa holiday through hands-on activities, cultural music, live performances, African American cuisines, dancing, and interactive community engagement.
The Umoja Marketplace opens at 6 pm, and the 7 pm program features Sankofa African Drum & Dance Company, Shackled Feet Dance, and other special guest performers including Rod McGaha and Bizz & Everyday People”. Last year’s event drew over 1,000 participants. While the event is free, please reserve your free ticket in advance through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/umoja-unity-night-at-plaza-mariachi-tickets-1071945199949
You are encouraged to attend in person, but if you are unable to attend, or to get a ticket online, please watch the event online, free, on the website: kwanzaanashville.com. And please, “Like” the Kwanzaa Nashville Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/KwanzaaNashville365/
Since Dr. Maulana Karenga initiated the practice of providing an annual Kwanzaa theme and Annual Kwanzaa Founder’s Message, he has sought to offer a theme and message which serve as a framework and focus for the world African community to relate the principles and practices of Kwanzaa to enduring and current issues of life, work and struggle. The Annual Kwanzaa theme and Founder’s Message also serve as another point of community, national and pan-African unity, Umoja, the first principle of the Nguzo Saba. For it is the principle, Umoja, which makes all the other principles and related practices possible, promising and successful.
“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 Karenga. “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.”
Dr. Maulana Karenga’s complete message and more information about the history of Kwanzaa can be found on the official Kwanzaa website: https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/
