Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street
Saturday, December 14
11 a.m.- 12 p.m. 
$3 per person  
Purchase tickets

Learn about the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa! Members of the staff will share the historical foundation of Kwanzaa and its seven principles. Program includes a candle lighting, a food tasting, and information on craft projects will be shared.

Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural celebration that begins December 26 and ends January 1. The celebration was created in 1966 by Dr. Karenga who designed the celebration as a way for African Americans to reaffirm their heritage and culture and their bonds to one another as a community. Dr. Karenga chose the Swahili word “Kwanzaa,” meaning “first fruits of the harvest,” to identify the celebration and to express seven principles that came from the African American value system for life: Unity (Umoja), Self-Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani)

The Alexandria Black History Museum hosts an annual Kwanzaa “How-To Workshop” that teaches the origins, concepts, practices, and foods of Kwanzaa. Visitors learn about the seven Kwanzaa principles and symbols, as well as easy crafts and activities to create their own Kwanzaa celebration.

Watch the videos of our virtual “How-To Workshops” for 2020 and 2021 here.

In our 2021 Kwanzaa workshop, our presenters will teach you easy crafts, activities and give you demonstration on how to make Groundnut Stew for your Kwanzaa feast – things to discover and enchant for every age.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that focuses on celebrating family, community, and culture. Learn more about how to celebrate Kwanzaa in your home by watching the video (from the free virtual Kwanzaa How-To Workshop held in 2020), and by reading more about this special holiday. Create a celebration table at home by making a Mkeka (mat) and learn more about 21st-century Black men and women in Alexandria who have made a difference through this Word Search.