1. Kwanzaa Opening Ceremony
DEC. 26 AT 6 P.M. (DOORS OPEN AT 5 P.M.) | WISCONSIN BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society is hosting its 37th annual Kwanzaa ceremony. Each night of Kwanzaa is dedicated to observing one of seven principles. This year, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society will be highlighting the principle of Umoja or unity, which calls for people to “strive for and to maintain unity in the family and community.” The event is free and open to the public.
2. Drumming in the Domes
DEC. 27 FROM 6-8 P.M. | MITCHELL PARK DOMES
The Ko-Thi Dance Company is celebrating Kwanzaa at the Mitchell Park Domes. This event will feature multiple drum performances with a light show in between each.
“A significant aspect of the event is Kujichagulia, which is a Swahili term meaning self-determination,” said Sonya Thompson, Ko-Thi’s artistic director. “Kujichagulia highlights the significance of both personal and collective identity, as well as the right to create one’s own culture and values.”
This event is open to all with standard Mitchell Park Domes admission cost ($6-$9 for adults; Free-$6 for infants and children.)
3. Celebrate Ujamaa Marketplace
DEC. 29 FROM 12-5 P.M. | AMERICA’S BLACK HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
America’s Black Holocaust Museum – in collaboration with Lilo Allen of Papyrus & Charms – is hosting an Ujamaa Marketplace to celebrate Kwanzaa. Attendees can shop from over 20 vendors and makers. There will be live poetry performances, giveaways, kids’ activities, tours of the museum, which opened its new location in 2022, and more. Ujamaa is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, which translates to cooperative economics.
