Kwanzaa 2022 has begun. Here’s how to celebrate the holiday in Charlotte
The holiday season is in full swing, with Kwanzaa just around the corner.
The weeklong holiday, a celebration of Black culture and history celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, involves a number of traditions across all seven days. And there are Kwanzaa events planned throughout Charlotte for people of all ages to mark the holiday.
Here’s what to know about Kwanzaa and celebrations for 2022 in the Charlotte area:
What is Kwanzaa and why is it celebrated?
Kwanzaa, a non-religious holiday created by Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966, “is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture,” the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture explains.
Ron Karenga created the holiday in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts Riots as a celebration of Black communities, history, culture and contributions.
The name Kwanzaa, the museum notes, comes “from the Swahili phrase, ‘matunda ya kwanza’ and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times.”
Over time, many traditions developed around Kwanzaa. The first Karumu Ya Imani, or “Feast of Faith,” was held for example in Chicago in 1973. The feast tradition continues and now takes place on the sixth night of Kwanzaa.
There are seven symbols of Kwanzaa, including a candleholder called a kinara. The kinara has seven candles — one black, representing the people; three green, representing land and growth; and three red, representing bloodshed and struggle — that are lit daily during the holiday.
Then-President Bill Clinton was the first U.S. president to issue a presidential declaration for Kwanzaa, in 1997.
Locally, Kwanzaa Charlotte hosts celebrations during Kwanzaa each year.
What do the 7 days of Kwanzaa mean?
The seven days of Kwanzaa each represent seven principles “drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent,” the National Museum of African American History & Culture explains.
They are:
Umoja, which translates to unity
Kujichagulia, which translates to self-determination
Ujima, which translates to collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa, which translates to cooperative economics
Nia, which translates to purpose
Kuumba, which translates to creativity
Imani, which translates to faith
How to celebrate Kwanzaa in Charlotte
There are multiple events planned around Charlotte throughout Kwanzaa this year, including:
Dec. 17
12 Days Of Kwanzaa Gala
Where: 3315 Scott Futrell Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208
When: 4 p.m.
What to know: This gala event to raise awareness for the mental health struggles many experience during the holidays will include a fashion show, awards ceremony and dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance via EventBrite and are $10 for adults and $2 for kids. There is a black tie dress code.
Dec. 26
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Umoja
Where: Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, 6116 Monteith Dr., Charlotte, NC 28213
When: 7 p.m. (African Marketplace opens at 6 p.m.)
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte’s daily celebrations of the holiday kick off on the first night, Umoja. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. The group’s African Marketplace will be open this night.
Dec. 27
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Kujichagulia
Where: The Movement Center, 2701 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208
When: 7 p.m. (African Marketplace opens at 6 p.m.)
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte’s daily events continue for the second night of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. The group’s African Marketplace will be open this night.
Dec. 28
Harvey B. Gantt Center’s Wednesday Night Live: Kwanzaa Celebration
Where: 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
What to know: The Gantt Center’s monthly Wednesday Night Live in December coincides with the third night of Kwanzaa, Ujima. The event, free and open to the public, will feature music from Drums 4 Life, a lesson on Kwanzaa traditions from Kwanzaa Charlotte and art with Elizabeth In Pearls’ owner Kimberly Turner.
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Ujima
Where: Little Rock AME Zion Church, 401 N. McDowell St., Charlotte, NC 28204
When: 7 p.m. (African Marketplace opens at 6 p.m.)
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte’s third night of celebrations will focus on Ujima. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. The group’s African Marketplace will be open this night.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library Kwanzaa & Culture Night
Where: ImaginOn Teen Loft, 300 E. Seventh St., Charlotte NC 28202
When: 5 p.m.
What to know: This event for teens ages 12 to 18 feature lessons about Kwanzaa and a chance to make handmade gifts. Social distancing will be enforced as a COVID-19 precaution, and masks are encouraged. Registration is full, but you can sign up for a waitlist.
Matthews Kwanzaa Celebration
Where: Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews, NC 28105
When: 7 p.m.
What to know: The town of Matthews’ Kwanzaa celebration will feature music, dancing and a presentation on the history of the holiday. The event is free and open to the public.
Dec. 29
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Ujamaa
Where: The Arts Factory, 1548 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28216
When: 7 p.m. (African Marketplace opens at 6 p.m.)
What to know: The fourth night of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, will be celebrated by Kwanzaa Charlotte at the Arts Factory. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. The group’s African Marketplace will be open this night. Extra parking is available at the Mosaic Village, adjacent from the Arts Factory. Seating is limited at this venue.
Dec. 30
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Nia
Where: The Arts Factory, 1548 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28216
When: 7 p.m. (African Marketplace opens at 6 p.m.)
What to know: Kwanzaa events continue at the Arts Factory with Kwanzaa Charlotte’s celebration of Nia. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. The group’s African Marketplace will be open this night. Extra parking is available at the Mosaic Village, adjacent from the Arts Factory. Seating is limited at this venue.
Dec. 31
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Kuumba
Where: The Arts Factory, 1548 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28216
When: 7 p.m. (African Marketplace opens at 6 p.m.)
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte’s stint at the Arts Factory concludes with a celebration of Kuumba for the penultimate night of Kwanzaa. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. The group’s African Marketplace will be open this night. Extra parking is available at the Mosaic Village, adjacent from the Arts Factory. Seating is limited at this venue.
Jan. 1
Kwanzaa Charlotte daily celebrations: Imani
Where: Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, 6116 Monteith Dr., Charlotte, NC 28213
When: 7 p.m.
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte’s daily celebrations conclude with the final night of Kwanzaa, Imani. The celebration is free and open to the public. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided, and masks are required as a COVID-19 precaution. There will be no African Marketplace at this event.
This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 7:00 AM.
