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:
- 1lb of Soy Wax
- Candle Dye (color of choice)
- 1- Candle Fragrance Oil
- 1- 8oz Glass or Tin Container
- 1- Candle Wick
- 1- Candle Wick Sticker
- 2- Wooden Craft Sticks (popsicle sticks)
- Small Saucepan or Candle Pouring Pot
- 4 Cup Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon
- Paper Towels
- Newspaper to cover/protect your workspace
KwanzaaCharlotte 2020 Programs
2020 Kwanzaa City-Wide Celebrations
These events will be virtual this year. You can watch on:
There will be American Sign Language interpretation at each event.
Kwanzaa History, Family & Craft Workshop
Saturday, December 12th, 2020
12 p.m.
Umoja — Unity
Saturday, December 26th, 2020
7 p.m.
Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
Sunday, December 27th, 2020
7 p.m.
Imani — Faith
Friday, January 1st, 2021
7 p.m.
You might also be interested in:
- Free things to do this week
- Discounts on concert tickets, kids' activities, restaurants, more
- Most spectacular Christmas light displays
- Day by day list of holiday events
- Christmas tree farms and lots
- Live nativities in the Charlotte area (mostly drive-thru)
- Pictures with Santa
- Hanukkah celebrations in Charlotte
- Charlotte area holiday markets
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Day by Day Kwanzaa Events
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Friday, January 1, 2021
Virtual