Kwanzaa -- from a Swahili phrase for "first fruits of the harvest"-- is an African-American and pan-African celebration of culture and family that takes place from December 26th to January 1st. Each day focuses on one of seven guiding principles: from Unity to Faith.
Below are some of the growing number of public events that celebrate the Kwanzaa holidays.
Please check dates carefully, as some web sites may not have updated for 2009/ 2010.
New York: World Financial Center
Look for a repeat of an early Kwanzaa Celebration: 2008 date was 12/16/08, with the New York African Chorus Ensemble performing and James Stovall reading poetry in the Winter Garden. Free.
New York: American Museum of Natural History:
Annual family festivities including dance performances, folklore, a marketplace, and special Kwanzaa foods. (Check for 2009 updates.)
Queens: Museum for African Art: Mitsui Family Day. Look for a repeat of A Children's Kwanzaa Celebration (2009 date was Jan. 2). Learn about the history and principles of Kwanzaa; make a gift; all Family Days are free to the public.
Brooklyn Children's Museum: has had a Kwanzaa Celebration in the past. Check web site to see if one gets scheduled.
Washington DC: The Spirit of Kwanzaa: at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts has had an annual "shake the rafters" celebration of dance, poetry, and song. (No info yet for 2009.)
Atlanta, GA: family-friendly celebrations at the APEX (African American Panoramic Experience) Museum. (Check for updates for 2009.)
Chicago: DuSable Museum of African-American History: look for a repeat of Kwanzaa celebrations, with events and programs at the Museum.
CA: Bay Area Discovery Museum: Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, with free admission and performances.
Soul of America site lists Kwanzaa events in many cities
GoCityKids lists family-friendly events in many cities, including Kwanzaa celebrations.
