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2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
December 10, 2024 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Kwanzaa A Time of Celebrations ~
You are cordially invited to participate in a Kwanzaa celebration at the African American Cultural Resource Center in the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library on December 10 from 5pm to 7:30m.
For additional information and to RSVP, please visit https://www.bettyjjohnsonfriends.org/event-details/aacrc-kwanzaa-event-1
A Brief Introduction to Kwanzaa
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili.
Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs, dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry, reading, and a large meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights the candles on the Kinara (candleholder). Then, one of the seven principles is discussed.
Seven-day candle lighting ceremony and celebration:
- December 26: Umoja (unity)
- December 27: Kujichagulia (self-determination)
- December 28: Ujima (collective work & responsibility)
- December 29: Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
- December 30: Nia (purpose) December 31: Kuumba (creativity)
- December 31: Kuumba (creativity)
- January 1: Imani (faith)