Celebrate Kwanzaa 2024 | Kennedy Center

Celebrate Kwanzaa 2024
at the Kennedy Center!

Angels of the Diaspora--Africa and America Diptech 72X96 acrylic on canvas by Lisa Jones Gentry, Artist

Kwanzaa, an African American and pan-African holiday created by Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966, is a weeklong celebration that honors history, values, family, community, and culture.

Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of its seven principles.

Seven Principles

Umoja (oo-moh-jah) Unity
Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-lee-ah) Self-Determination
Ujima (oo-gee-ma) Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa (oo-jah-ma) Cooperative Economics
Nia (nee-ah) Purpose
Kuumba (koo-oom-bah) Creativity
Imani (ee-mon-ee) Faith

Celebrate Kwanzaa this 2024 year with Social Impact at the Kennedy Center. è��AVis offering music, performances, stories, and an African marketplace.

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa in African art with The National Museum of African Art through a scavenger hunt. Booklets for the scavenger hunt are located in The African Lounge in the Opera House box tier.

To see the African Lounge, please request a tour at the tour desk on Level A during regular hours. For parties of 15 or more, please schedule a group tour.

Upcoming Events

Millennium Stage (In-Person and Livestream)

The Legacy of the Dibinga Sisters and OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center

Dec. 27, 2024

Join us for a Kwanzaa celebration! For more than 30 years, the Dibinga Sisters have been a pillar of support for Boston’s youth. This year marks a significant milestone as their nonprofit, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, celebrates three decades. Come celebrate the second principle of Kwanzaa (Kujichagulia - Self-Determination) through African inspired dances and music celebrating 30 years.

Social Impact

Celebrating Ujima and Educators: Collective Work and Responsibility

Sat. Dec. 28, 2024 12-4p.m.

Enjoy an amazing family day of music, performances, an African marketplace, authors, and books! Seven authors will present their books focusing on African American History, family, and mental health. We will be graced with a libation ceremony and a dance performance by Nana Malaya Rucker, “The Dancing Diplomat.”