Beatties Ford Library, at 2412 Beatties Ford Road, is hosting two free Kwanzaa workshops this December. Read on to learn about the two workshops, how to register, and about the history of Kwanzaa.
The Kwanzaa Organizing Committee is pleased to join the Public Library of Mecklenburg County in presenting its 5th Annual pre-Kwanzaa workshops. Both events will be held at the Beatties Ford Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216.
The Saturday morning workshop will be held on December 6, 2014, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. “Celebrating Kwanzaa at Home” is designed for families. Participants will learn the origins, fundamental activities, the essential values and the seven basic symbols of this 48 year old celebration of family, community and culture. Pronunciation of the Swahili terms and the creation of a Kwanzaa craft will be a part of this interactive program.
Facilitator: Terry Tiamd. (Note: the library website might say it starts at 10:00 a.m. but I’ve confirmed with the facilitator that it starts at 11:00 a.m.)
The Tuesday evening program will be held on December 9, 2014, 6-8 p.m. “The History of Kwanzaa” is designed for high-school and college students, and adult participants. This lecture/discussion will examine the cultural philosophy that is the basis of this seven-day celebration in the midst of the 60’s struggle for civil and human rights. The lecture will also discuss the African origins of Kwanzaa as a “first fruits” celebration.
Facilitator: Makheru Bradley.
Both events are free, and open to the public. Registration is requested, and can be done by clicking on the above links. The workshop facilitators are volunteers from the Kwanzaa Organizing Committee and have been active in developing and presenting Kwanzaa programs in Charlotte and surrounding communities for the past 30 years.
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It is a seven day, non-heroic, non-religious and non-political celebration of family, community and culture.
Kwanzaa is based on African “first fruit” harvest celebrations. The Kiswahili language is used to express the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), which have a particular and universal value in their call for thoughtful and practical applications 365 days of the year.
Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions throughout the world community. Dr. Karenga said, “Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which is both particularly African and definitively human.”
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
