CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — The International African American Museum hosted a Kwanzaa community celebration offering an evening filled with culture and connection.
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture that runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Dr. Maulana Karenga established the holiday in 1966 as a response to the cultural disconnection experienced by African Americans.
“It’s a moment for us to renew. Like take that time of every day just being intentional about reflecting on who we are as a community, as a family, as a people and then how we can better ourselves us to help further our community,” attendee and resident of North Charleston Tyewhan Luke said.
The celebration features an interactive program that delves into the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa through storytelling, music, engaging activities and creative expression.
The museum partnered with Jack and Jill’s Charleston Chapter to create an interactive program diving into the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
“Creating space for anyone, regardless of background, to be able to come and to be able to participate because we shouldn’t have to pay for community. That’s something that we all need as human beings. We need to be in conversation. We need to be in connection with one another and this is the kind of program that does that.” Programs Director for Jack and Jill Malika Pryor said.
These principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, include Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
“Connecting with that experience, be able to teach as many African-Americans as we can about not only slavery, not only our resilience and resistance, but also strategies involved in bringing us from that context to today,” Dr. Harry Singleton, IAAM’s Lilly Director of Faith-Based Education & Education said.
The International African American Museum hopes to uplift, educate and inspire attendees for a night packed with cultural enrichment and community fun.
“Seeing everyone interact at different levels and different ages. I watched the gentleman who’s in his 80s stuck in cups with a 3-year-old kid and they stacked it up the highest. It was really wonderful seeing an elder with a child growing together in unity,” Luke said.
There was also traditional food served, making for a night packed with cultural enrichment and community fun.
“There is no greater responsibility in African culture than when you leave the world, leave the world and leave the community in a better state than which you found it,” Singleton said.
Click here for more information regarding the Kwanzaa community celebration.
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