Kwanzaa — the week-long celebration of African heritage, ancestry, and the seven core moral principles (or Nguzo Saba) — will take place Friday, December 26, through Thursday, January 1. Look for the following daily celebrations in Rochester, organized by the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition. If we missed a major Kwanzaa event, let us know by leaving a comment on this story at rochestercitynewspaper.com.
On Friday, December 26, the Baobab Cultural Center (728 University Avenue) will celebrate umoja (unity) with a film screening, discussion, and African drumming. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Saturday, December 27, kujichagulia (self-determination) will be discussed the Gannt Center (700 North Street). The youth-oriented day will feature the Leading Ladies/Distinguish Dynasty Step team and art-making. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Frederick Douglass Resource Center (36 King Street) will host drumming, art-making, and a discussion on ujima (collective work and responsibility) on Sunday, December 28, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Rochester Museum and Science Center (657 East Avenue) will give a tour of the museum and discuss African-American scientists on Monday, December 29, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., to commemorate ujamaa (co-operative economics).
On Tuesday, December 30, the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Avenue) will host art-making, drumming, dancing, and tours of exhibits, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 suggested family donation. The day is centered on nia (purpose).
On Wednesday, December 31, kuumba (creativity) will be celebrated at Memorial AME Zion Church (529 Clarissa Street) with music and a feast. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
And on Thursday, January 1, event organizers are prompting people to celebrate imani (faith) at home with loved ones.
Also, the First Community Interfaith Institute (219 Hamilton Street) will host its own week of celebrations with a concert by guitarist Johnny Brown (December 26) and talks from Zeb Coleman (December 27), Brian Griffin (December 28), Uwimana (December 29), Leo White (December 30), and Nia (December 31). A Kwanzaa feast will take place January 1 at St. John's Home auditorium (150 Highland Avenue). All events take place at 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
