Events

“After months of isolation, sickness, deaths, economic hits, protests against police brutality, Kwanzaa will provide a moment of regeneration, and reflection in the midst of the many uncertainties faced this year. It was more important than ever for us to use our creatively to make sure Kwanzaa moved forward.”

On the day after Christmas families throughout the world will pull out the red, black and green candles, the candle holder, and other symbols of Kwanzaa to kick off a weeklong celebration of African culture, family and community.

Kwanzaa is an African-Americans celebration of African culture, family and community, from December 26th –January 1st.  Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 as a tradition to honor our ancestors and a collective moment for our community to reflect on the greatness of African history and culture.

Families and communities gather to organize and reflect on the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa; Unity (Umoja), Self-determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani). Each day a candle is lit to signify and discuss each principle.

Join us beginning December 26th for community virtual Kwanzaa programs.   
All programs are free and will be streamed live on Pan-African Connection Facebook and PAC_DALLAS Instagram social media pages.  For more information contact Akwete Tyehimba at 214-943-8262 or akwete@icloud.com.

Umoja – Unity - Saturday December 26th –

 2 p.m.  – 3 p.m. – Virtual Kwanzaa Arts and Crafts with Renee Miche’al Jones founder of Roots for Youth.  Children will create felt shapes representing African folktales.  (Free craft kits available for pick up at Pan-African Connection Bookstore).

7 p.m. – Virtual Candle lighting, Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble, children’s presentation, poetry and speakers and Kwanzaa presentation by St. Luke ‘Community’ United Methodist Church.

Kujichaqulia – Self-Determination - Sunday December 27th

12 noon – Celebrating Self Determination and resistance through culture and dance. It’s been said that New Orleans is the most African city in America.   Michelle Gibson, the Artist of the New Orleans Original Buckshop will lift us with an online second line dance class demonstrating how culture is a weapon in our struggle for self-determination.

2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Virtual Kwanzaa Arts and Crafts with Renee Miche’al Jones founder of Roots for Youth.  Children will create African inspired jewelry.

5 p.m. – Virtual Children’s Kwanzaa Celebration, with the Poetic Storyteller Oba William King. Candle lighting, children’s drumming, singing and storytelling.

 Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility - Monday December 28th

 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Virtual Kwanzaa Arts and Crafts with Renee Miche’al Jones founder of Roots for Youth Roots.  Children will create West African Adinkra banners, using stencils to create decorative wall hangings. 

7 p.m. – Virtual - Afrocentricity International, discuss the role of Afrocentricity in fostering Ujima in our homes, community and in the African diaspora.  Author Useni Eugene Perkins, who wrote children’s book ‘Hey Black Child’ will join the discussion. Other speakers and cultural performances will also be presented. Contact Dr. Lucy Houston at lucyphouston@gmail.com

 Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics -Tuesday December 29

2 p.m. - Virtual Kwanzaa arts and crafts, Kinara  making class with Griot Storyteller Afiah Bey.  Craft supplies include red, black, green and brown construction paper, glue, scissors, crayons, pencil colors or markers. Craft kits can be picked up at Pan-African connection Bookstore.

7 p.m. – Virtual Discussion on Black Wall Street with the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N'COBRA).  Speakers and cultural entertainment.

Nia- Purpose - Wednesday December 30

7 p.m. - Virtual Kwanzaa with the Act of Change.  ‘A Celebration of Blackness’.  Cultural performances and Speakers.

Kuumba – Creativity - Thursday December 31

2 p.m. – Virtual Kwanzaa cultural storytelling and songs with Griot Storyteller Afiah Bey.  

5 p.m. – Virtual Kwanzaa Poetry Showcase with Poet, Bro. Leo Hassan and other socially conscious poets.

Imani – Faith - Friday January 1

No programs scheduled. Attend other Kwanzaa events or simply enjoy your Kwanzaa Karamu (feast) with family and friends.