There will be several opportunities in 2019 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 Workshops and story times
Kwanzaa at Home Workshop
Saturday, December 7th, 2019
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beatties Ford Road Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road
Families
Free
Kwanzaa Charlotte and Beatties Ford Road Regional Library present a workshop designed for families who want to learn how to Celebrate Kwanzaa at Home. Learn the origins, the seven basic symbols, the fundamental activities, and the essential values of this time honored celebration of family, community and culture. Pronunciation of the Kiswahiliterms and the creation of a Kwanzaa craft will be a part ofthis fun-filled, interactive program.
Kwanzaa at Home Workshop
Saturday, December 14th, 2019
11 a.m.to 1 p.m.
Gantt Center, 551 South Tryon Street
Free for Gantt Center members; $5 general admission
Participants will learn the origins, fundamental activities, the essential values and the seven basic symbols of Kwanzaa. Pronunciation of Kiswahili terms used in Kwanzaa, and the creation of a Kwanzaa craft will be a part of this interactive program.
The workshop facilitators are volunteers from Kwanzaa Charlotte, who have been active in developing and presenting Kwanzaa programs in Charlotte and surrounding communities for more than 35 years.
Preschool Storytime: Kwanzaa with Mother Minter
Monday, December 16th, 2019
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Hickory Grove Library
5935 Hickory Grove Road
Age 3-5
Free
Engage your preschoolers with books, activities, stories and songs that encourage language and pre-reading skill development in order to help them grow into successful readers. Special guest, Mother Minter, will present this storytime in celebration of Kwanzaa.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Presents: Kwanzaa for Community
Friday, December 27th, 2019
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Beatties Ford Road Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road
Families
Free
Learn about and explore Kwanzaa with April Turner, an experienced facilitator specializing in using art as a tool to build community, facilitate cultural education and inspire constructive conversation about social concerns.
April C. Turner performs stories, dances and songs while offering an overview demonstrating “What is Kwanzaa?” and how Kwanzaa is celebrated. Audience members will be introduced to the community building principles and symbols of the Kwanzaa celebration.
Kwanzaa Charlotte 2019 City Wide Celebration
2019 Kwanzaa City-Wide Celebrations
December 26th, 2019 through January 1st, 2020
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Free
All Kwanzaa Charlotte City Wide Celebrations are free and open to the community. They all start at 7 p.m., but some events are preceded by an African Marketplace at 6 p.m. See below.
Umoja
Thursday, December 26th, 2019
Greenville Memorial AME Zion
6116 Monteith Drive
Before the main event, there will be an African Marketplace at 6 p.m. The host is A Sign of the Times Band and Rev. Sheldon R. Shipman.
Kujichagulia
Friday, December 27th, 2019
Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center
440 Wesley Heights Way
This event is hosted by the Jzar Family, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.
Ujima
Saturday, December 28th, 2019
Little Rock AME Zion Church
401 McDowell Street
Before the main event, there will be an African Marketplace at 6 p.m. This event is hosted by The Males Place.
Ujamaa
Sunday, December 29th, 2019
Our Lady of Consolation Family Life Center
1235 Badger Court
Before this event there will be an African Marketplace at 6 p.m. The host of the event is Kwanzaa Charlotte.
Nia
Monday, December 30th, 2019
Our Lady of Consolation Family Life Center
1235 Badger Court
Before this event there will be an African Marketplace at 6 p.m. The host of the event is Kwanzaa Charlotte.
Kuumba
Tuesday, December 31st, 2019
Our Lady of Consolation Family Life Center
1235 Badger Court
Before this event there will be an African Marketplace at 6 p.m. The host of the event is Kwanzaa Charlotte.
Imani
Wednesday, January 1st, 2020
Greenville Memorial AME Zion
6116 Monteith Drive
The host is A Sign of the Times Band and Rev. Sheldon R. Shipman.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Gantt Center
Saturday, December 28th, 2019
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon Street
Free
Join the Gantt Center for a day of hands-on art, performances and conversations about wellness and liberation which celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa. Create Kwanzaa keepsakes, sample local sweets and shop with some of Charlotte’s businesses of color in the Museum store. Follow above link for the schedule and more details.
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