Kwanzaa 2024 AT The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Honoring African American Culture, Unity, and Heritage
Detroit, MI (December 1, 2024) – As Christmas concludes, Kwanzaa commences. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits," and it has its roots in traditional first harvest celebrations.
Celebrate Kwanzaa with us at the Charles H. Wright Museum, where we honor this vibrant holiday rooted in African traditions and African American culture. Kwanzaa, observed from December 26th to January 1st, is a time to reflect on the principles of Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These values are represented by the "Nguzo Saba" (Seven Principles), which guide the celebrations throughout the week.
This year, celebrate with our in-person and digital events. Visit our social page and website for short videos to support your celebrations at home or with others in the community. We also hope you can join us for some of the in-person events downtown and at the museum as listed below
Umoja (Unity)
Thursday, December 26th
We encourage members and visitors to join us as we join Alkebu-lan Village, Councilman Scott Benson, and the City of Detroit, the Downtown Partnership for the third annual lighting of the Motor City Kinara.
For more information visit: https://downtowndetroit.org/event/motor-city-kwanzaa-celebration-and-kinara-lighting
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Friday, December 27th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
For the first program at The Wright Museum, join us as we celebrate Kujichagulia, the second principle, meaning self-determination. We will revisit history and welcome Nanou Djiapo for a spectacular performance.
“Nanou Djiapo” which literally means Keep Together as a culturally related, and traditionally bonded, artistic family. The group is widely known and admired as one of the premier Youth & Young adult African Drum & Dance groups locally and abroad and is constantly in demand to perform.
Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
Saturday, December 28th
12:00pm – 4:00 PM Family Activities
2:00pm – 4:00 PM Intergenerational Panel Discussion
Join us for a day at The Wright Museum as we host a series of family friendly Kwanzaa related activities for all ages. We will also host an intergenerational panel discussion.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Sunday, December 29th
12:00pm – 5:00 PM Ujamaa Marketplace
12:00pm –4:00pm Family Activities
1:00 PM-3:00 PM In the Tradition in Concert
Join us for another special day of celebration with family-friendly activities. We’ll host once again the Ujamaa Marketplace, and feature specials in our museum store that celebrate and honor cooperative economics.
Finally, we’ll close out our in-person celebrations with a special performance from In The Tradition jazz ensemble.
About In the Tradition
In the Tradition Jazz Ensemble is a Septet based in Detroit, Michigan. For close to 30 years, the band has distinguished itself for its impeccable delivery of jazz music with an African-centered perspective. In the Tradition’s performances throughout the Detroit area and the Midwest, of both original compositions and jazz standards, has earned the band respect among its peers in the music industry and a wide following. The band has recorded six CDs and its music is played on college radio jazz shows across the country, and radio stations around the globe.
About the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History was founded in 1965 and is in the heart of Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center. The Wright Museum’s mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture — the museum’s 22,000 square foot, immersive core exhibit — is one of the largest, single exhibitions surveying the history of African Americans. The Wright Museum houses over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials and offers more than 300 public programs and events annually.
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Media Contacts:
Char Yates
Director of Media Relations
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
cyates@thewright.org
313.494-5839
Kelly Miner
Marketing & Communications Manager
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
kminer@thewright.org
313.494.5865