Kwanzaa celebrations in Charlotte 2020

There will be several opportunities in 2020 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.

Also, unless otherwise stated, these events will be taking place online this year, in the interest of the health of the community.

Kwanzaa lasts seven days, starting December 26th, each one with a focus on a different principle:

Day 1. Umoja means unity.
Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination.
Day 3. Ujima means working together.
Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other.
Day 5. Nia means purpose.
Day 6. Kuumba means creativity.
Day 7. Imani means faith.

Kwanzaa Programs with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Storytime: Kwanzaa with Mother Minter
Thursday, December 17th, 2020
11 a.m.
Online event

Learn about and celebrate Kwanzaa with special presenter, Mother Minter. Make & Takes will be provided at Hickory Grove Library for children to participate in the activities from home.

Storytime: Mother Minter’s Gift of Kwanzaa
Wednesday, December 30th, 2020
3 p.m.
Online event

Enjoy a celebration of Kwanzaa. Your whole family can enjoy the Kwanzaa experience through stories, songs, and movement activities. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.

Kwanzaa with Harvey B. Gantt Center

Candle-making workshop for Kwanzaa with Gantt Center
Tuesday, December 29th, 2020
7 p.m.
Free (Online, on Gantt Center’s Facebook page)

In lieu of the Gantt Center’s usual day-long celebration at the Gantt, they will commemorate the African-American cultural celebration, Kwanzaa, virtually this year. Learn about the fundamentals of the holiday, as well as the fourth principle Ujamaa.

They will also share several ways you can celebrate with the whole family during the seven-day observance.

2020 has shown us that our support of local businesses is crucial to their survival. For that reason, they have chosen to celebrate Ujamaa, which represents Cooperative Economics.

Ujamaa highlights the importance of supporting our community’s businesses and sharing in the wealth that we create.

Kathy Fogle, a local candle artist and owner of Happy Kat Candles & Gifts, will lead us in creating candles at home. In the spirit of Ujamaa, Kathy has candle-making kits available for purchase between Saturday, December 26 and Monday, December 28 at her Northlake Mall location if you’d like to follow along during the live presentation on December 29 at 7pm.

You can procure your materials however you like, or simply watch how it’s done. Here is a list of what you will need to acquire in order to craft your own candles: