Kwanzaa begins Monday, December 26, and ends Sunday, January 1. Celebrate Kwanzaa 2022 in Detroit with bigger and brighter events! Kick off the end of the year with the world’s largest Kinara that’s coming to Campus Martius in downtown Detroit as part of an all-new Kwanzaa event. Kwanzaa is celebrated in Detroit! The Motor City warmly welcomes the seven-day celebration, which is surrounded by both modern and traditional treasures.
Join the 7-day celebration that honors the seven values of African culture: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Detroitisit rounded up a community-centered list of Kwanzaa in Detroit annual events to unify the city in faith and fun. Kwanzaa is a traditionally African-American holiday. However, the diversity of Detroit is blooming and there’s always room to engage in something new!
PHOTO KWANZAA IDEAS / PINTEREST
A BRIEF HISTORY OF KWANZAA
What exactly is Kwanzaa? First off, Kwanzaa derives from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. This African-American holiday was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to unite the community preceding the Watts Rebellion. Ways to celebrate: family gatherings, songs, dance, African drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. Each night, a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then the family reflects on one of the seven principles.
MOTOR CITY KWANZAA KINARA LIGHTING
INAUGURAL MOTOR CITY KAWANZAA CELEBRATION, PHOTO DOWNTOWN DETROIT PARTNERSHIP / DDP
Date & time: the event kicks off at 3 p.m. on the first day of Kwanzaa (Dec. 26) at Beacon Park
Kwanzaa in Detroit is getting an upgrade! Prepare your eyes for the world’s largest Kinara. which was developed in collaboration with the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Alkebu-Ian Village, Councilman Scott Benson, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the City of Detroit. The 30 ft. tall Kinara will be unveiled at Campus Martius Park on Dec. 26, following a Kwanzaa celebration at Beacon Park.
The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara will remain on display at Campus Martius Park through Jan. 1, 2023, for the entire seven-day Kwanzaa holiday. Make sure to visit this free, public display! Click HERE for more information.
Beacon Park: 1901 Grand River Ave, Detroit
Campus Martius Park: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit
THE 2022 KWANZAA CELEBRATION AT THE WRIGHT
Date & Time: Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Kwanzaa in Detroit 2022 events are social and immersive in history. The community will gather in person to celebrate and honor Ujamaa. Ujamaa is the principle of Cooperative Economics and the Wright will celebrate and honor this principle with MUREC and Nanou Djiapo. At 5 p.m., there will be a Vendor Marketplace, and the Kwanzaa Program begins at 6 p.m. Click HERE to learn more. There will also be Livestream if you can’t make it in person.
Location: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit
THE BLACK LEGACY COALITION PRESENTS: 7 DAYS OF KWANZAA
BLAC PRESENTS 7 DAYS OF KWANZAA, PHOTO NZINGHA MASANI-MANUEL / FACEBOOK
Time: 6 pm to 9 pm except for 1/1/23 3 pm to 6 pm
The Black Legacy Coalition isn’t skipping a beat (or day) with Kwanzaa festivities. BLAC is a movement that builds Black power by providing education and resources that uplift their communities. Here’s a list of events with various hosts, all of which are happening at the Historic King Solomon Church.
- Mon 12/26- Hosted by The Shrine of the Black Madonna
- Tues 12/27-Hosted by Malcolm X Grassroots Movement
- Weds 12/28- Hosted by Nsoroma Institute
- Thurs 12/29- Hosted by Alnur African Dance
- Friday 12/30- Hosted by UNIA
- Saturday 12/31- Hosted by NANOU DJIAPO
- Sunday 1/1/23- 3 pm to 6 pm – Hood Research
Location: Historic King Solomon Church- 6100 14th St. Detroit
KWANZAA COOKING. PHOTO EVENTBRITE / FACEBOOK
KWANZAA COOKING WITH MAMA RAVIN REGINA
Date & time: Thursday, December 22, 2022, from 6 pm to 8 pm
It wouldn’t be Kwanzaa in Detroit without a soulful food exploration. This is your opportunity to learn about the holiday of Kwanzaa and make some delicious vegan dishes for the season including black-eyed peas and greens.
Location: Bridging Communities- 6900 McGraw Avenue, Detroit
PENNY PINCHERS KWANZAA-PRENEURSHIP
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 5 pm to 7 pm
Penny Pinchers is a monthly financial literacy club for ages 8-12. Celebrate Ujamaa, the 4th principle of Kwanzaa this month by supporting local businesses. Ujamaa centers around collective economics, so you’ll be immersed in entrepreneurship & Kwanzaa discussions. You can also learn how to start your own business! Every community needs goods, services, financial support, and regular communication.
Location: Detroit Main Library -5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
TRADITION JAZZ ENSEMBLE PRESENTS “A KWANZAA NIGHT”
IN THE TRADITION JAZZ ENSEMBLE, PHOTO @KARIMGIDEONMUSIC / FACEBOOK
Date & time: Friday, December 30. 2022 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Tradition Jazz Ensemble presents “A Kwanzaa Night”. This Kwanzaa celebration sheds light on the Fifth Principle of Nia (Purpose) by listening to African music. Ticket prices start at $20.00
Location: Aretha’s Jazz Café -350 Madison Street. Click HERE to get tickets.
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