Rochester to Celebrate Kwanzaa with Seven Days of Culture, Community, and Unity

The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition has announced its 2024 Kwanzaa celebration, a vibrant six-day event honoring African heritage, culture, and community. The festivities, free and open to the public, will include performances, workshops, and activities designed to engage all ages while reflecting on the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa.

Event Highlights

Each day of the celebration will focus on one of Kwanzaa’s seven principles, starting December 26 and concluding with a day of reflection at home on January 1:

• Day One: Umoja (Unity) - Location: City Hall, 30 Church St. - Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Day Two: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - Location: Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, 500 Genesee St. - Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Day Three: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - Location: Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave. - Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Day Four: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - Location: Montgomery Center, 10 Cady St. - Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Day Five: Nia (Purpose) - Location: Rundel Library Hacker Hall, 115 South Ave. - Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Day Six: Kuumba (Creativity) - Location: Avalon Event Space, 470 State St. - Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Day Seven: Imani (Faith) - Celebrated privately at home, focusing on reflection and renewal of faith.

Activities for All

The 2024 celebration promises engaging events for the whole community, including:

• Cultural Performances by local artists, musicians, and storytellers.

• Youth Activities such as face painting, crafts, and storytelling.

• Delicious Food from community partners.

• Special Honors and Awards recognizing contributions to the community.

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“Kwanzaa is a time to come together and celebrate our heritage, values, and the principles that unite us,” said Paul Adell Jr., Chairman of the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition. “We’re thrilled to host this celebration that uplifts our community and highlights the incredible talent and spirit of Rochester.”

About Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa, a non-religious Pan-African cultural holiday, was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to promote unity and healing in the wake of the 1965 Watts Rebellion. Rooted in the “Nguzo Saba” (Seven Principles), the holiday emphasizes values such as community, self-determination, and cooperative economics.

The word "Kwanzaa" is derived from the Kiswahili term meaning "first fruits," with an additional "a" symbolizing the seven principles. The holiday celebrates African heritage while encouraging excellence and service to others.

Get Involved

The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Kwanzaa’s principles, welcomes sponsors, volunteers, and partners. For more details, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/RochesterKwanzaaCoalition or email Rochesterkwanzaacoa@gmail.com.