For the 42nd year, the National Black United Front – Kansas City, will celebrate all seven days of Kwanzaa with free community gatherings open to the public. This year’s theme is “Up You Mighty Youth, You Can Accomplish What You Will!,” with many of the daily program activities including youth participants.
”The annual celebration will be held Mon., Dec. 26 through Sun., Dec. 31, at the historic Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18th St., in 18th and Vine Jazz District. Programming will begin each day promptly at 7 p.m. The African Marketplace, featuring vendors, artisans, crafts-persons and food will open at 6 p.m.
The final day of Kwanzaa, Mon. Jan. 1 will be held at the Nefertiti Banquet Hall, 1314 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS. This program will begin at 3 p.m.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr.Maulana Ron Karenga, an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture.
Kwanzaa means the first fruits of the harvest in the Swahili language. By studying ancient and modern African harvest celebrations, Dr. Karenga created a holiday that focused on the African-American people as a collective rather than on the individual.
During Kwanzaa the people of the community are called together to reflect on the blessings of the past year and prepare for the future.
The foundation of Kwanzaa is the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles. The principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each night of Kwanzaa one of the principles is celebrated to remind everyone of its significance in the lives of Black people and the good it can bring to the community.
John Riley will serve as MC each night of the celebration. The schedule for the celebration is as follows:
December 26 – Umoja (Unity) – The host is the Esoke Cultural Arts Center, Yaminah Muhamma (African Dance)
December 27 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) – The host is Art In Motion, Danny Diallo Hinds (African Dance and Storytelling)
December 28 – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) – The host is the Nia Project, Terri Barnes (Youth debate on reparations)
December 29 – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) – The host is Buy Black Empowerment Initiative, Kathy Persley
December 30 – Nia (Purpose) – The host is the A-Flat Youth Orchestra, Darryl Chamberlain (Musical presentation)
December 31 – Kuumba (Creativity) – The host is the American Jazz Museum
January 1, Imani (Faith) – The Kwanzaa Feast at the Nefertiti Banquet Hall (everyone is asked to bring a dish for the feast)
All Kwanzaa events are free and open to the public. For more information call 816-645-7303.
