Join in this Kwanzaa 2022 to celebrate Kwanzaa in Nashville, In-Person and Virtually. The 2022 Annual Kwanzaa Theme is: “Kwanzaa, Culture and the Practice of Freedom: A Message and Model for Our Times.” For more about the theme and a message from the Founder of Kwanza, Dr. Maulana Karenga, check out the website: https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/
Celebrate Kwanzaa in Nashville in person or virtually. Kwanzaa Nashville Week is organized by a group of dedicated and passionate individuals who seek to expose and inspire Black Pride in the city of Nashville through the Celebration of Kwanzaa embodied in the practice and adoption of the Nguzo Saba (Seven-Principles of Kwanzaa). They are Maria Hall, Founder & Chair; Joseph Bazelais, Community Engagement; Marquita Holt, Marketing; Jamilla Tyrrell, Community Organizer; Rashad Donaldson, Community Organizer; NewLee Made, Photography / Visual Historian.
This dynamic group of creatives, entrepreneurs, and community organizers come together in the spirit of Umoja (Unity) and Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) to curate 7 amazing nights of events filled with experiences that celebrate CommUnity, Family and Black Culture in Nashville. For more details and to register for these programs, visit the website: https://www.kwanzaanashville.com/
To tune in virtually, make sure you ‘Like’ the Kwanzaa Nashville Facebook Page. Simply go to their page at: https://www.facebook.com/KwanzaaNashville365/ Make sure your notifications are set on Facebook for when Kwanzaa Nashville goes LIVE on Facebook. No Facebook? No Problem! You don’t need an account to see their LIVE stream. Simply go to their website under the “KWANZAA Live” tab during the streaming schedule and you will see their live video streaming appear on your screen.
Kwanzaa Nashville kicks off on Monday, December 26 with an Umoja UNITY Night in-person event at TM Production, 630 Rundle Avenue, Nashville. The Umoja Marketplace opens at 5:30 p.m., and the 6:30 p.m. program features Sankofa African Drum & Dance Company and Shackled Feet Dance. Tickets are $22 via Linktree.
On Tuesday, December 27, the originators of Nashville’s Kwanzaa celebration, the African American Cultural Alliance, will present A Queen Mother Installation Ceremony at The Upper Room, 1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville 37212, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Come dressed in GOLD or your fine African Apparel and Regalia. The celebration will include an introductory explanation of the African elements, symbols and principles of Kwanzaa, African Cuisine, African Musical Vibrations, and Cultural Fellowship. This KUJICHAGULIA event is free and open to the public, but please RSVP in advance through Linktree.
Wednesday, December 28 at brings the all-day Ujima event in the historic Club Baron: Elks Lodge, 2614 Jefferson Street. Eat Well: The Black Brunch (private networking event) kicks off at 11a.m.; Sleep Well: Our Rest (Mind, Body, and Soul-utions is at 3 p.m.; and Be Well: Rooted: Our Liberation A Storytelling Immersive Experience + Community Solution Session starts at 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 29 is Ujamaa Black Business Expo at Scarritt Bennett Center, 1027 – 18th Avenue, South, in Laskey Hall. The program, also free and open to the public, no RSVP required, runs 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. p.m., and features Saaneah Live, DJ Soul Infinite, vendors and a food truck. Throughout the city, you are encouraged to use this time to patronize Black businesses online and in person all day.
Friday, December 30 attend a special “The Beauty & Burden of Black Excellence” program hosted by Scarritt Bennett Center and NIA Montessori School at Scarritt Bennett Center, 1027 – 18th Avenue, South, in the Harambee Auditorium. Rev. Kelli X will moderate, with panelists Judge Rachel Bell, Patrick Dailey, Jamel Gooch-Campbell, and Johari Matthews. The free program, with light refreshments, begins at 6:00 p.m., but please RSVP in advance through Linktree.
Saturday, December 31 features the free Kuumba Altar Creation Workshop at One Drop Ink, 1511 Jefferson Street, Nashville, in association with the North Nashville Arts Coalition, runs from 12:00 p.m. Noon until 4:00 p.m..
Sunday, January 1, 2023, the Nashville Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. want you to join them in person bringing in the New Year at TM Production, 630 Rundle Avenue, Nashville 37210. “Imani: Faith with the Deltas” starts at 3:00 p.m., but please Reserve your tickets in advance through Linktree.
