Charlotte celebrates African heritage and culture with 2024 Kwanzaa festivities
.jpg "A Sacred Dundun dance workshop will take place during Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture’s Kwanzaa celebration on Dec. 28.")
Kwanzaa, a celebration of African heritage and culture, shines in Charlotte each year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Black studies, Kwanzaa affirms community, heritage and culture, drawing inspiration from Southern African first-fruits festivals.
The name derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means first fruits, with an added “a,” to make the word long enough to have seven letters.
Rooted in African communal values, Kwanzaa’s seven principles guide each day’s observance:
- Umoja (unity)
- Kujichagulia (self-determination)
- Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
- Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
- Nia (purpose)
- Kuumba (creativity)
- Imani (faith)
.jpg "Courtesy of Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture(3).jpg")
With a week full of traditions and local celebrations, check out our guide to the events happening in the Charlotte area this year:
Kwanzaa Edition: Poetry With Passion
Location: 200 West Woodlawn Road, #Suite G, Charlotte, NC 28217
When: Dec. 26, 7-10 p.m.
Cost: Prices range from $20 to $100
What to know: Kwanzaa at Zodiac Bar & Grill, hosted by Freaky Tai and Fiona B, invites poets and poetry lovers to connect and share in the artistic expression of the evening.
Kwanzaa Charlotte
Location: Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, 6116 Monteith Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213
Location: Movement School, 2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
When: Dec. 26-Jan. 1. On Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, activities will take place at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church. Dec. 27-31, activities will take place at the Movement School.
Cost: Free
What to know: Kwanzaa Charlotte, an annual, citywide celebration honoring African heritage and culture through educational and cultural activities, will focus on the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, the schedule includes a daily African Marketplace at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and a Kwanzaa program from 7-8:30 p.m. On Jan. 1, the Kwanzaa program will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church.
Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness
Location: Dream Center Charlotte, 2229 Village Lake Drive Charlotte, NC 28212
When: Dec. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: The Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at the Dream Center Charlotte. Enjoy music, dance and community as the event honors African heritage through the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Edition: Queen City Comedy Jam
Location: Rio Ultra Lounge, 7030 Smith Corners Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28269
When: Dec. 27, 8-10 p.m.
Cost: $20 for general admission and $100 to $250 for VIP tables.
What to know: Next Friday, Rio Ultra Lounge will host a Kwanzaa Edition of the Queen City Comedy Jam, featuring five local comedians for a night of laughter and holiday cheer. The event, presented by the Laugh Lane, will be hosted by comedian Julio Hennessy and Freaky Tai.
Kwanzaa at the Gantt 2024: Ujima
Location: 551 South Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Dec. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: Celebrate Ujima, the third principle of Kwanzaa, with a day of community, culture and creativity at The Gantt. Highlights include a Sacred Dundun dance workshop, a Kwanzaa table informational and the musical short play “AKWAABA.”
.jpg "Courtesy of Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture(2).jpg")
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s “I Hear the Sound of Kwanzaa”
Location: Sugar Creek Library, 4045 North Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28206
When: Dec. 28, 12-2 p.m.
Cost: Free
What to know: At the drum circle celebration of Kwanzaa at Sugar Creek Library, you’ll learn all about the Kwanzaa’s meaning through music and participate in themed activities. Plus, snacks will be provided!
This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 5:15 AM.
