Kwanzaa 2023 is almost here. Here’s where to celebrate the holiday in Charlotte
Kwanzaa is just around the corner, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate in Charlotte.
The weeklong holiday, a celebration of Black culture and history observed 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.
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.
Here’s where to celebrate Kwanzaa in Charlotte this year:
Kwanzaa Charlotte Celebrations
When: Dec. 26-31, 6-9:30 p.m.; Jan. 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Movement School, 2701 Freedom Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208
Cost: Free
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte is offering daily programs on the week of Dec. 26 that focus on each of the seven principles of the holiday, QCity Metro reported. The group’s African Marketplace will be open until Dec. 30.
Wednesday Night Live - Kwanzaa Celebration 2023
When: Dec. 27, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, 551 S Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost: Free. Registration is required.
What to know: The slate of Kwanzaa events at the Gantt Center includes a workshop on performance poetry, hands-on arts and crafts, a family portrait session and an interactive performance featuring Djembe drums and African diaspora dance.
Kwanzaa Celebration: What’s the Tea in Genealogy?
When: Dec. 28, 2-5 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - Sugar Creek, 4045 N Tryon St., Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28206
Cost: Free. Registration is required.
What to know: At this event, kids of all ages can learn how to discover their roots with Charlotte Mecklenburg genealogist Danielle Pritchett and listen to front porch stories and backyard tales with storyteller Adam Hawkins.
Town of Matthews Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Matthews Community Center, 100 E McDowell St., Matthews, NC 28105
Cost: Free.
What to know: Matthews’ Kwanzaa celebration will include music, dancing and informative presentations about the holiday.
This story was originally published December 14, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
