Celebrations for Kwanzaa in Columbus

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture that lasts from December 26 to January 1, ending in a communal feast called Karamu.

Kwanzaa honors community, family and heritage of African American culture and African traditions.

The name, Kwanzaa, comes from the Swahili word that means “first harvest” and is based on the principles of Nguzo Saba.

Deposit photos

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy at King Arts Complex

December 27th- 30th, 2022 | 9 AM – 4 PM
Kindergarten through 8th grade (Ages 5 – 13)

KWANZAA is an African-American celebration of family, community and culture. Youth participants will learn about the principles of KWANZAA by working with local, visual, and performing artists.

There is something for everyone at the 2022 Winter Academy. Find registration details on the website.

Programming: $125 per child
Registration Fee: $25 per child

Kwanzaa – A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture

December 26 and December 31, 2022.

Ohio History Connection and TAWI Family Village will present two evenings of Kwanzaa that will feature African drumming, music, dance, storytelling and hands on art activities. Other days feature events at locations in the community.

Dec. 26 – First day of Kwanzaa at the Ohio History Center in partnership with Tawi Family Village from 4-8 pm. Umoja (unity) is the day’s principle. See Facebook event page for details.

Dec. 27 – Urban String Columbus, led by Catherine Willis, will host a concert with Urban Strings alumni as guest musicians from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Kujichagulia (self-determination) is the day’s principle.

Dec. 28 – Hosted by the Broad Street Presbyterian Church and presented by the James Preston Poindexter Foundation from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Ujima (collective work and responsibility) is the day’s principle.

Dec. 29 – Hosted by the King Arts Complex and presented by the King Arts Complex and Lincoln Theater from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ujamaa (cooperative economics) is the day’s principle.

Dec. 30 – No host; families are encouraged to gather at home. The day’s principle is Nia (purpose).

Dec. 31 – Hosted by the Ohio History Center from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. The day’s principle is Kuumba (creativity). See Facebook event page for details.

Jan. 1 – No host; families are encouraged to gather at home. The day’s principle is Imani (faith).

Presenters for the event include:

TAWI Family Village, founded in the 1970’s, is an establishment of systems based on the ancient Egyptian concepts of Ma’at (truth, balance, order, harmony, righteousness, morality, and justice) and the seven principles of Nguzo Saba (Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, Imani, Kugichagalia and Umoja).

The organizational structure is designed to identify, develop, restore, promote and protect Afrikan people, values and cultures.