Celebrate the 58th Annual Buffalo Kwanzaa!
Join us for the 58th annual celebration of Kwanzaa in Buffalo, happening December 26th through January 1st. This year’s theme, “Prepare to Repair, Remembering Black Excellence,” highlights our community’s resilience and unity. Each night will feature drummers, dancers, performers, special presentations, and local drill teams, as requested by Elder Brother Solomon Myree.
Kwanzaa, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, is a time to honor African heritage, unity, and values. The holiday centers on the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity) Imani (Faith) We will open the 58th celebration of Kwanzaa by raising our African American Flag on December 26th in front of City Hall in Niagara Square at 12 noon.
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, December 26th, with the first two nights at Performing Arts High School, located at 450 Masten Avenue. The following nights will be at Lincoln Memorial Church Banquet Hall upstairs at 641 Masten Avenue from 7 PM to 9 PM nightly.
Umoja (Dec. 26th): Featuring a production by Access to Afree-Ka led by Bro. Ras Joma and the Tradition Keeper Storytellers and drummers. Kujichagulia (Dec. 27th): Performances by the African Cultural Center Youth Dance Troupe, a dance tribute to Elder Gail Wells by Lynette Simmons, and a potential live webcast with Kwanzaa founder, Dr. Maulana Karenga.
Children’s and Young Adult Kwanzaa:
December 28th, 12 PM – 3 PM at BRICK Buffalo Academy Charter School, 30 Rich St. Sponsored by ReCast and the Office of Mental Health. Activities include art workshops, youth vendor opportunities, family resources, a youth panel, and delicious food.
Nightly Programs:
Ujima (Dec. 28th): Panel discussion on “Collective Work and Responsibility” with performances by the Gravity Drill Team, Purple Diamondz Dance Team, and The Marvelous One Drums.
Ujamaa (Dec. 29th): Panel on “Food Disparity and Economics” featuring African Food Co-op and Black Farmers Market, with performances by Extreme Pressure Dance Company. Nia (Dec. 30th): Soul Concert with Afro-beats by DJ Michela Davis, Devastation Drill Team, and Spoken Word Poet Be-Be (Bethany).
Kuumba (Dec. 31st): Open mic, local talents, and the Karamu Feast catered by Top Class Eatz. Imani (Jan. 1st): Virtual presentation by Elder Queen Mother Dr. Eva M. Doyle on the theme, with a retrospective of past performances. Marketplace: Lonnie B. Harrell Marketplace will be open nightly, 6 PM – 9:30 PM, showcasing local vendors of clothing, jewelry, soaps, fragrances, food, and more.
For more information, follow the “Official Buffalo Kwanzaa Page” on Facebook.