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Celebrate Kwanzaa with the Library

Shukrani Gray

Shukrani Gray

Shukrani is the African American Resource Collection and Equity & Inclusion Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library

Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by Doctor Maulana Karenga, who established the holiday as a way for people of the African diaspora to celebrate their connection with Africa. Once a celebrated civil rights leader, Dr. Karenga later became embroiled in scandal and the diaspora has since separated the holiday from his controversy. Over the past six decades, Kwanzaa observers have expanded it into a beautiful time to celebrate Blackness, community development, and familyhood. 

The word “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits,” which is a nod to harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa. Instead of celebrating the bounty of our harvest, Kwanzaa celebrates the bounty of all the things we have done to help our families and communities throughout the year. 

Celebrated between December 26 and January 1, Kwanzaa centers around Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Blackness. The Kinara is a special candle holder where we place Mishumaa Saba –– seven candles to represent each of the seven principles. The black candle in the middle represents unity and Black people; the red ones signify the blood that our ancestors shed; and the green candles represent the land we are connected to. 

Each day during Kwanzaa, we light one of these candles and commemorate its corresponding principle: Umoja for unity; Kujichagulia for self-determination; Ujima, for collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa for cooperative economics; Nia for purpose; Kuumba for creativity; and Imani for faith. 

In each of these principles, we represent all aspects of our lives and our connection with our diaspora. 

Most families who celebrate Kwanzaa will have a very similar display set up in their homes, showing off their Kinara and Mishumaa Saba –– candle holder and seven candles –– and a few other special items: 

  • Kikombe cha Umoja –– A unity cup, which represents togetherness in the family.
  • Muhindi –– An ear of corn, which represents the fruitfulness of the family, particularly the children. 
  • Mazao –– Fruit to symbolize harvest.
  • Zawadi –– Gifts for our families. 
All these items are placed on a Mkeka, which is a woven mat that symbolizes the earth, as well as the foundations of African traditions and history. 
 


Kwanzaa gifts are meant to help us develop and grow, so we often exchange books, homemade presents, or items bought from Black vendors and businesses so that we can continue to support one another. 

Some people think you cannot celebrate Kwanzaa alongside Christmas or Hanukkah, but that is not true. While the other two are religious holidays, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, which means anyone with a connection Africa or the diaspora, regardless of their faith, is welcome to celebrate.

Kwanzaa is a joyous holiday filled with love, support, revelry, and reflection. To make your Kwanzaa even better, check out these recommendations of what to watch, read, or listen to this holiday season:
 

Kwanzaa Reads for Adults:

 Kwanzaa Reads for Kids:

The New Orleans Kwanzaa coalition is also hosting community events around the city every night during the weeklong holiday. All events are free and open to the public.

Umoja | Unity | Monday, Dec. 26 | 6pm

Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts & Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Rd.

  • Hosted by the Kwanzaa Coalition & Cailloux Center
  • Presentation by Treme Kids
  • Panel discussion on Embodying Unity with Brenda G. Chapital, Lauren Turner Hines, & Dr. Rolanda Spencer
  • Performances by Silhouette Dance Ensemble and The Maroons Band
  • Children’s activities in the Kwanzaa Kids Zone
  • Food & Craft Vendors
  • More info at 504-520-5003

Ujamaa | Familyhood & Cooperative Economics | Thursday, Dec. 29 | 6pm

Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts & Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Rd. 

  • Hosted by the Kwanzaa Coalition
  • The Importance of Familyhood by Kevin Griffin Clark
  • Presentations from Whose Coming With Me and C Freedom
  • Keynote address by Dr. Ashonta Wyatt titled “Black Family in Crisis”
  • “Black Family in Crisis” Dr. Ashonta Wyatt
  • Performances by Nana Love and Nkiruka Drum & Dance Ensemble
  • Food & Craft Vendors
  • More info at 504-915-47
 Kujichagulia | Self-Determination | Tuesday, Dec. 27 | 6pm

Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts & Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Rd. 

  • Hosted by: UANI OJA
  • Performances by Flag boy Giz, Sunni Patterson, Smiley The Comedian, Yo The Artist, Imah X, and many more
  • Panel Discussion on Manifesting Self-Determination in Business with Inez Jones, Jenny K, Mike Frank
  • Children Activities in the Kwanzaa Kids Zone
  • Food & Craft Vendors
  • More info at 504-546-3318

Nia | Purpose | Friday, Dec. 30,| 12pm – 5pm

Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts & Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Rd.  

  • Youth led activities
  • Dance workshop
  • Theater & dance performances
  • Face painting
  • Giveaways 
  • More info at 504-638-3923

Ujima | Collective Work & Responsibility | Wednesday, Dec. 28 | 7pm

Muhammad Mosque #46, 4201 Downman Rd.

  • Hosted by the Nation of Islam
  • Panel discussion on Mental Health in the Black Community
  • More info at 504-313-4950

Nia | Purpose | Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 | 6pm

St. Peter Claver Church Hall, 1020 N. Prieur St.

  • Hosted by the New Orleans Association of Black Social Workers & St. Peter Claver Catholic Church
  • Kwanzaa Feast
  • Speakers
  • Performances
  • More info at 504-402-2001

Kuumba | Creativity | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 10am

Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts & Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Rd.  
 
  • Hosted by Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Company, UMOJA Committee, and the Tekrema Center
  • Children’s activities including dance workshops, and arts & crafts
  • Performances by Tekrema Center for Arts & Culture and Culu Children’s Traditional African Dance Company

Kuumba | Creativity | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 9:30pm

Beacon Light Baptist Cathedral, 1937 Mirabeau Ave.

  • Hosted by Urban League
  • Emancipation Proclamation 160 Years Later: “Celebrating the Resilience of Black People”
Imani| Faith | Sunday, January. 1| 1pm
 

Andre Cailloux Center for Performing Arts & Cultural Justice, 2541 Bayou Rd.

  • Hosted by the Kwanzaa Coalition
    “Faith in Mindful Movement”
  • Mindfulness Meditation at 1:30pm with Shawanda Marie and Sound Vibration Healing
  • Movement Sessions every 15 minutes, from 1:45pm – 3pm
  • Children’s activities in the Kwanzaa Kids Zone
  • More info at 504-915-9902

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