There will be several opportunities in 2018 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.
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 Celebration at Gantt Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration on December 29th, 2018 that will include free museum admission.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 29th, 2018
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free
A day of hands-on art, performances & conversations celebrating the principles of Kwanzaa. Create Kwanzaa keepsakes, sample local sweets – shop with some of Charlotte’s businesses of color in the museum store.
City-Wide Kwanzaa Celebrations
The city-wide celebration, presented by Kwanzaa Charlotte, will offer educational and artistic programs throughout the Charlotte community from December 26 – January 1, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sign language interpretation by Fluent Language Solutions will be available for designated programs, and upon request.
An African Marketplace will be available on most evenings, and will open at 6 p.m.
All events are free, and open to the public.
Umoja: Unity
Wednesday, December 26th
Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
6116 Montieth Drive
Host: A Sign of the Times Band & Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman
6 p.m.: African Marketplace
7 p.m.: Program
Kujichagulia : Self-Determination
Thursday, December 27th
Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center
(Adjacent to Bruns Academy)
440 Wesley Heights Way
Host: The Jzar Family & Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
6 p.m.: African Marketplace
7 p.m.: Program
Ujima: Collective Work & Responsibility
Friday, December 28th
East Stonewall AME Zion Church
1729 Griers Grove Rd
Host: The Males Place
6 p.m.: African Marketplace
7 p.m.: Program
Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics
Saturday, December 29th
Kamitic Life Center
2715 Tuckaseegee Rd.
Host: Kamit Natural Foods & Ausar Auset Society
6 p.m.: African Marketplace
7 p.m.: Program
Nia: Purpose
Sunday, December 30th
Our Lady of Consolation
Catholic Church Family Life Center
1235 Badger Court
Host: Kwanzaa Charlotte & The Nation of Islam
6 p.m.: African Marketplace
7 p.m.: Program
Kuumba: Creativity
Monday, December 31st
Our Lady of Consolation
Catholic Church Family Life Center
1235 Badger Court
Host: Kwanzaa Charlotte
6 p.m.: African Marketplace
7 p.m.: Program
Imani: Faith
Tuesday, January 1st
Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
6116 Montieth Drive
Host: A Sign of the Times Band & Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman
7 p.m.: Program
Kwanzaa Celebration in Rock Hill
Saturday, December 29th, 2018
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Blu Place, 703 Saluda Street, Rock Hill, SC
Free
At the Kwanzaa Celebration in Rock Hill, visit the Kwanzaa Village, and enjoy food, African dancing and drumming, children’s activities, a spoken word open mic and more.
- Free things to do this week
- Discounts on concert tickets, kids' activities, restaurants, more
- Charlotte restaurants open for Christmas
- Free and cheap New Year's events around Charlotte
- Most spectacular Christmas light displays
- Where to get free pictures with Santa
- Big list of free things to do with friends and family Thanksgiving Weekend
- Tree Lighting Celebrations in the Charlotte area
- Hanukkah celebrations in the Charlotte area
- Day by day list of holiday events
- Charlotte area holiday markets
- Free Christmas and holiday concerts
- Self-guided walking tour of Uptown Charlotte Christmas lights and attractions
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