The 1960s were a turbulent and beautiful time. There were assassinations and there was MOTOWN. We were marching in the streets and “Dancing in the Street.” America was rocking and rolling. In the middle of the turbulence and the beauty, Dr. Maulana Karenga founded the Black American holiday, Kwanzaa, a Swahili word for “First fruits” to celebrate the African heritage present in Black culture, in 1966. It is the celebration of a Pan-African spirit, the family, the community, and the celebration of self. It is Ubuntu or “oneness.” The seven principles are:
- Umoja (Unity)
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Nia (Purpose)
- Kuumba (Creativity)
- Imani (Faith)
Whether you are getting around on foot, by train, bus or car, make your way to any of the celebrations happening over our city. Courtesy of the Brooklyn Reader (www.bkreader.com), here is a list to help you out.
WHERE TO CELEBRATE KWANZAA in NYC
Who: The International African Arts Festival (IAAF)
What: The International African Arts Festival (IAAF) presents The 47th Anniversary of Kwanzaa Celebration– Celebrating & Living Kwanzaa: Sowing and Harvesting seeds of Good, featuring: Dr. Maulana Karenga, KowTeff African Dance and Drum Troupe , the Donald Smith Trio. Also, Kwanzaa Collective, tribute to: Baba Jitu Weusi, Seydou Njoya, and Atchuda Bakr. Dance, poetry, youth zone, food, and Live Jazz provided by Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.
When: December 26, 2013, 3:00pm – 9:30pm
Where: M.S. 35 Stephen Decatur, 272 MacDonough St., btw. Marcus Garvey & Lewis Ave., Brooklyn, NY
How Much: 3:00 – 6:00pm (free); 6:00 – 9:30pm $12 in advance; $15 at the door ; $8 for in advance for seniors and $12 at the door.
Who: The Brooklyn’s Children’s Museum.
What: Kwanzaa Celebration: It’s Kwanzaa time! Explore this popular cultural holiday by learning about its importance around the world to families of African heritage. Decorate a Kwanzaa flag banner to take home; hear holiday stories and share your warm thoughts during this cold season by creating greeting cards to send to family and friends. Events for children 5 and under.
When: Friday, December 27 – Sunday, December 29, 2013, 11:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
How Much: All ages, $9
SOLD OUT!!! Who: Forces of Nature Dance Theatre
SOLD OUT!!!What: Kwanzaa Celebration “Regeneration Night,” featuring the New York-based dance company Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre.
SOLD OUT!!! When: Friday, December 27, 2013, 7:30pm
SOLD OUT!!! Where: The Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, NY, NY
SOLD OUT!! How Much: $18; Tickets are through ticketmaster or call the Apollo box office at 800-745-3000.
Who: American Museum of Natural History
What: Kwanzaa Events: Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Kwanzaa. Storyteller Linda Humes is the host with youth ensemble – IMPACT Repertory Theatre, Ugandan poet Emilia Ottoo. Restoration Dance Theater performs with mix of African, Caribbean, jazz and modern dances. Balance Dance Theatre led by choreographer Obediah Wright performs. Author and filmmaker MK Asante introduces his film narrated by May Angelou – The Black Candle – A Kwanzaa Celebration.
When: Saturday, December 28, 2013, 12:00 noon – 5:00pm
Where: Central Park West at 79th Street, NY, NY
How Much: Adults are $22, Children 2-12 are $12.50, Seniors and Students with ID are $17. FREE with Museum admission
ThePoliDay Report 