There will be several opportunities in 2024 to learn about and to celebrate Kwanzaa in the Charlotte area. All of these are free, family-friendly events, unless otherwise specified.
Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of family, community, and culture. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, this seven-day series of events are non-heroic and non-religious observances that are celebrated by millions throughout the world.
The holiday is based on African “First Fruits” harvest celebrations, which were times of gathering. The Kiswahili language is used to express the seven principles.
Kwanzaa lasts seven days, starting December 26th, each one with a focus on a different principle:
- Day 1. Umoja means unity.
- Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination.
- Day 3. Ujima means working together.
- Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other.
- Day 5. Nia means purpose.
- Day 6. Kuumba means creativity.
- Day 7. Imani means faith.
KwanzaaCharlotte 2024 Programs
Kwanzaa Charlotte presents daily, in-person celebrations each night of Kwanzaa.
Daily celebration programs will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., from December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
The opening and closing celebrations, December 26th and January 1st, will take place at Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church, at 6116 Montieth Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213.
All other daily celebrations – December 27 to December 31 – will be held at the Movement School, 2701 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the programs and both locations are wheelchair/handicapped accessible. All events are free, and open to the public.
An African Marketplace will precede and conclude the daily celebrations from 6 to 7 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Markeplace will be available December 26 to December 31. There will be no Marketplace on January 1, as that program will be a day of reflection and a sober assessment of things done and things to do on a personal, family and community level.
Thursday, December 26:
- Principle: Umoja (Unity)
- Host: A Sign of the Times
- Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Friday, December 27:
- Principle: Kujichagulia (Self – Determination)
- Host: The Jzar Family
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Saturday, December 28:
- Principle: Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
- Host: The Males Place
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Sunday, December 29:
- Principle: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Host: The Nation of Islam
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Monday, December 30:
- Principle: Nia (Purpose)
- Host: Brother Ali Steele
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Tuesday, December 31:
- Principle: Kuumba (Creativity)
- Host: Charlotte African Drum & Dance Collective
- Movement School
- 6 p.m.: African Marketplace
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
- 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.: African Marketplace
Wednesday, January 1:
- Principle: Imani (Faith)
- Host: A Sign of the Times
- Greenville Memorial AME Zion Church
- 7 p.m.: Kwanzaa Program
Kwanzaa Programs with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Kwanzaa Family Workshop
Saturday, December 7, 2024
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library
2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC
Free
This special family workshop is designed for families who want to learn the origins, fundamental activities, essential values, and the seven basic symbols of this time-honored celebration of family, community, and culture.
Tween Crafternoon: Kwanzaa Wreath
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Imaginon
300 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
If you are between the ages of 9 and 12, grab your friends and join us for a creative crafternoon, where we will be creating personalized Kwanzaa Wreaths to celebrate the holiday season. Supplies will be provided- just bring your creativity! Register today to save your spot.
Holiday Family Storytime
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
11 to 11:30 a.m.
North County Regional Library
16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, NC
Free
Ages 0-5 (and families)
This storytime will feature books that celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Yule. Your whole family can enjoy stories, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.
I Hear the Sounds of Kwanzaa — A Drum Circle Experience
Saturday, December 28, 2024
12 to 2 p.m.
Sugar Creek Library
4045 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Free
Experience a Kwanzaa celebration through Drumming. Learn the meaning of Kwanzaa and enjoy other theme related activities and snacks.
Kwanzaa at Harvey B. Gantt Center
The Gantt Center is presenting a free, family-friendly Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy engaging programming from the following creative community partners:
- A signature Kwanzaa theater performance, titled “AKWABAA,” from the Charlotte-based theater company BNS Productions
- Ancestral honoring workshop with the media group Melanotion
- Diaspora dance workshops from the Dance With the Gantt series, curated by LaTanya Johnson
- Education on the foundation and traditions of Kwanzaa with Kwanzaa Charlotte
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