Signature Events
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Wright 2023
KWANZAA 2023: Cultivate, Educate, Celebrate!
“Kwanzaa is more than a celebration, it’s a way of life!”
Habari Gani? What’s the News?
Join us again this year for another season of Kwanzaa celebrations with the Wright!
From Tuesday, December 26 to Monday, January 1, the Wright along with several community partners will explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa through in-person programs at the Wright, online engagements, and in-community celebrations taking place across the city.
Beginning Tuesday, December 26, the Wright will present seven days of in-person and virtual programs, including a daily kinara lighting ceremony, storytelling, and live performances. Enjoy a special Kwanzaa-themed cultural showcase on Thursday, December 28 with Let’s Get Tribal and shop our Kwanzaa Holiday Market with local vendors on Friday, December 29. Our in-person programming concludes on Saturday with a can’t-miss jazz concert at the Wright featuring In the Tradition.
In the spirit of the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, we invite you to support the seven days of in-community Kwanzaa programs hosted by area presenters and partner organizations.
Continue reading below to browse our full calendar of Kwanzaa programs!
2023 Kwanzaa Program Schedule
Tuesday, December 26 | UMOJA: Unity
12 – 3 p.m. | Kinara Lighting Ceremony & Intergenerational Family Programming at The Wright
Kinara lighting ceremony with Jatu Gray; Storytime with Tatjana Jackson; Face Painting with Sandra Epps, and Unity Hustle for History with Thomasenia Johnson
3 – 6 p.m. | Motor City Kinara Lighting Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting Ceremony
Cadillac Square- Downtown Detroit between Bates & Woodward
6 – 9 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by MILLION MAN ALUMNI/ALD
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208
8 p.m. – 1 a.m. | Alkebu-lan Village Kwanzaa Ball
The Tuxedo - 11745 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park (Tickets: $50)
Wednesday, December 27 | KUJICHAGULIA: Self Determination
12 – 3 p.m. | Kinara Lighting Ceremony & Intergenerational Family Programming at The Wright
Kinara lighting ceremony with Doug McCray; Storytime with Halimah Nurullah; Face Painting with Sandra Epps, and What’s Your Dream? hands-on artmaking workshop
6- 9 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by Malcolm X Grassroots Movement
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208
Thursday, December 28 | UJIMA: Collective Work & Responsibility
12 – 3 p.m. | Kinara Lighting Ceremony & Intergenerational Family Programming at The Wright
Kinara lighting ceremony with Xavier Jack; Storytime with Tatjana Jackson; Face Painting with Sandra Epps, and screening of Black Panther; all day Kwanzaa food drive
5 – 7 p.m. | Kwanzaa Celebration Cultural Showcase with Let's Get Tribal at The Wright
6 – 9 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by NSOROMA INSTITUTE
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208
Friday, December 29 | UJAMAA: Cooperative Economics
12 – 3 p.m. | Kinara Lighting Ceremony & Intergenerational Family Programming at The Wright
Kinara lighting ceremony with Kyle Sammy; Storytime with Tatjana Jackson; Face Painting with Sandra Epps, and Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace
12 – 5 p.m. | Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace at The Wright
6 – 9 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by SHRINE OF THE BLACK MADONNA
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208
Saturday, December 30 | NIA: Purpose
12 – 3 p.m. | Kinara Lighting Ceremony & Intergenerational Family Programming at The Wright
Kinara lighting ceremony with Yolanda Jack; Face Painting with Sandra Epps, and Storytime with Jamia Henry
1 p.m. | "Seven Songs of Kwanzaa” jazz concert with In the Tradition at The Wright
6 – 9 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by UNIA/ACL
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208
Sunday, December 31 | KUUMBA: Creativity
12 p.m. | Virtual Kinara Lighting Ceremony led by Marline Martin of the Wright (Watch via Facebook and Instagram)
3 – 6 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by NANOU DJIAPO
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208
Monday, January 1 | IMANI: Faith
12 p.m. | Virtual Kinara Lighting Ceremony led by Jonathan Jones of the Wright (Watch via Facebook and Instagram)
3 – 6 p.m. | Historic King Solomon Baptist Church hosted by HOOD RESEARCH
6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208