Kwanzaa celebrations in Charlotte 2021

Seven Kwanzaa candles with flames lit on neutral background — Photo: Depositphotos

There will be several opportunities in 2021 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

Virtual Story Time: Kwanzaa
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
4 to 4:45 p.m.
Zoom

Kwanzaa with Harvey B. Gantt Center

The Gantt Center is celebrating Kwanzaa at the December 29th, 2021, from 6 to 9 p.m. This event is part of Wednesday Night Live, during which the Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art are all open free of charge.

This event celebrates Ujamaa (or cooperative economics), the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, with a candle-making workshop, an African dance class, and an informational session about the history and traditions of Kwanzaa. The Gantt will also feature local artisans and an array of hand-crafted treasures for sale during the evening.

KwanzaaCharlotte 2021 Programs

Kwanzaa Kinara Background Colorful Composition Poster African American Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration Colorful Festive Background Poster With Kinara Can

This year, KwanzaaCharlotte is presenting mostly virtual programs, and two in-person events.

Kwanzaa History
Thursday, December 16, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Livestream – YouTube

Family & Crafts Workshop
Saturday, December 18, 2021
YouTube

Kwanzaa Marketplace
Sunday, December 26th, 2021
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Complex, 1600 W. Trade St.

Outdoor event with vendors and Food trucks. Masks and social distancing will be encouraged; hand sanitizer will be available.

Umoja – Unity
Sunday, December 26th, 2021
7 p.m.
YouTube

Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
Monday, December 27th
7 p.m.
YouTube

Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
Wednesday, December 29th, 2021
6 to 9 p.m.
Gantt Center
551 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte
In-person program in collaboration with the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, as part of Wednesday Night Live, during which the Gantt Center, Mint Museum Uptown, and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art are all open for free visits.

The December 29th Kwanzaa event at the Gantt Center includes:

Ujamaa Artisan Fair, 6 to 9 p.m., 2nd Floor Lobby
Kwanzaa Informational by Kwanzaa Charlotte, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 2nd Floor Lobby
African-Inspired Dance Workshop by Jermaine Nakia Lee, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Performance Suite
Candle-Making Workshop with Kathy Fogle, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Classroom

Imani – Faith
Saturday, January 1, 2022
7 p.m.
YouTube