The holiday season is here, and residents of Detroit are celebrating old traditions in new ways. Kwanzaa, the celebration of Blackness, is based on seven principles creating Kawaida, Swahili for “common.” Each of the principles are celebrated on seven individual nights beginning December 26 and lasting through January 1.
Umoja, or unity, is celebrated on the first day and represents the family unit, community, and race of people. The second night, Kujichagulia, or self-determination is highlighted emphasizing defining, naming and creating, and speaking for the Black community. The third night brings Ujima to bright light to collective work and responsibility. Under this principle, building and maintaining the community while solving problems as one is the focus. On the fourth night, Ujamaa teaches building cooperative economics through maintaining retail stores and other business ventures for the Black community. The fifth night, Nia is celebrated to restore Black communities and their people. The sixth night teaches creativity, or Kuumba, through enriching neighborhoods to establish a better place for future generations. On the final night, faith or Imani is taught, the belief in God, family, and heritage.
Created by Maulana Karenga in 1966 as an alternative to Christmas, Kwanzaa was established for African Americans to learn from their African heritage through the expression of art, storytelling, dance, food, and music. The celebratory colors were chosen for their symbolic nature: red for the struggle of Africans and their descendants, green for the land and the future, and black representing the people.
Celebratory symbols are also used during Kwanzaa festivities such as mats (mkeka), mazao (crops), mahindi (corn), and a unity cup (Kikombe cha Umoja). Each night, one of the seven candles (Mishumaa Saba) is lit in its kinara, a special candleholder, to commemorate each of the principles.
To help residents observe Kwanzaa, organizations across the city are hosting virtual events filled with family fun and education.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, together with The City of Detroit, is hosting Kwanzaa with The Wright. The virtual 7-night celebration will feature storytelling, poetry, singing and dancing. Guests are welcomed to bring the spirit of Kwanzaa in their home by streaming each event and recreating the magic in their homes. The virtual party will begin each night at 7 p.m. beginning December 26.
Detroit Farm and Cider, the first cider mill located within Detroit’s city limits, is also celebrating Kwanzaa with a 7-night ceremony. Families will be able to visit the farm and enjoy horseback rides, hayrides, and raffles. Guests will also have the option to participate in a community feast, study herbal healing takes part in a market cooperative supporting local Black-owned businesses. Beginning on the first night of the Kwanzaa celebration, guests are encouraged to arrive each day at 3 p.m.
Join organizers Afros and Pixie Dust for a Kwanzaa Karaoke unlike any other. The virtual sing-along will feature songs by popular artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Bob Marley to highlight each of the seven principles. Guests are also welcomed to sing a song of their choosing. Tickets are $7 dollars. The one-night event is hosted on the opening night of Kwanzaa and tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Detroit Book City is also hosting a virtual event fit for the community. Featuring live performances and lighting of the candles, each night, the local bookstore will teach the seven principles through demonstrations and storytelling. The event is free, but guests can buy traditional Kwanzaa materials the day before the event.
Although Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated within the Black community, all are encouraged to participate and learn more about the holiday.
About Post Author
