There will be several opportunities in 2022 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.
UPDATE: Please note that the Kwanzaa Charlotte events taking place December 29th, 30th, and 31st, have a new location: The Movement School, 2701 Freedom Drive. The change was to accommodate attendance, which had exceeded expectations.
Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of family, community, and culture. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, this series of seven-day events are non-heroic and non-religious observances, that are celebrated by millions throughout the world.
The holiday is based on African “First Fruits” harvest celebrations, which were times of gathering. The Kiswahili language is used to express the seven principles.
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
Kwanzaa Charlotte Family Workshop
Saturday, December 3rd, 2022
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC
Free (registration is required)
This special family workshop is designed for families who want to learn the origins, fundamental activities, essential values, and the seven basic symbols of this time-honored celebration of family, community, and culture.
Kwanzaa & Culture Night
Wednesday, December 28th, 2022
5 to 7 p.m.
ImaginOn, 300 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
This program is for teens ages 12-18. Registration is required. Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the symbols and traditions. Create gifts at the event.
Town of Matthews Kwanzaa Celebration
On Wednesday, December 28th, 2022, from 7 to 8 p.m., the Town of Matthews is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews, North Carolina. This is a free event that features music, dancing and informative presentations about the holiday.
Kwanzaa with Harvey B. Gantt Center
The Gantt Center is celebrating Kwanzaa during the Wednesday Night Live event on December 28th, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. Museum admission is free to the Gantt Center, Mint Museum and Bechtler Museum that evening. The Kwanzaa celebration will include Community Roots with Drums 4 Life, Collective Art with Kimberly Turner and Kwanzaa Information Session with Kwanzaa Charlotte.
KwanzaaCharlotte 2022 Programs
Kwanzaa Charlotte is presenting daily, in-person celebrations from December 6th, 2022, to January 1st, 2023. Each celebration will take place from 7 to 9 p.m., and will be free to the public.
The information in this section was provided in a press release from Kwanzaa Charlotte.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for all programs, and all locations are wheelchair accessible.
An African marketplace will be available before most of the events. In the spirit of community and caring, attendees are required to wear face masks during the events.
Umoja (Unity)
Monday, December 26th, 2022
7 to 9 p.m. (African Marketplace at 6 p.m.)
Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
6116 Montieth Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by A Sign of the Times and Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman
Kujichagulia (Self – Determination)
Tuesday, December 27th, 2022
7 to 9 p.m. (African Marketplace at 6 p.m.)
The Movement Center
2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by The Jzar Family
Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
Wednesday, December 28th, 2022
7 to 9 p.m. (African Marketplace at 6 p.m.)
Little Rock AME Zion Church
401 N McDowell Street, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by The Males Place
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Thursday, December 29th, 2022
7 to 9 p.m. (African Marketplace at 6 p.m.)
The Movement School (change of location)
2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by Nation of Islam
Nia (Purpose)
Friday, December 30th, 2022
7 to 9 p.m. (African Marketplace at 6 p.m.)
The Movement School (change of location)
2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by Hadiya Presswood
Kuumba (Creativity)
Saturday, December 31st, 2022
7 to 9 p.m. (African Marketplace at 6 p.m.)
The Movement School (change of location)
2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by Kwanzaa Charlotte
Imani (Faith)
Sunday, January 1st, 2022
7 to 9 p.m.
Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
6116 Montieth Drive, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by A Sign of the Times & Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
