Kwanzaa Nashville, in partnership with Plaza Mariachi Music City, is bringing a special Kwanzaa celebration to the Greater Nashville Community. This will be a FREE family friendly event where all are welcome and children and adults can learn about the rich traditions of the Kwanzaa holiday through hands-on activities, cultural music, live performances, African American cuisines, dancing and interactive community engagement.
This marks the first night of the annual seven-day observance. The Umoja Marketplace opens at 6:00 pm, and the 7:00 pm program features Sankofa African Drum & Dance Company, the SoundKulture Kwanzaa Fashion Show, Shackled Feet DANCE, Autumn, and the one and only Bizz & Everyday People!
Kwanzaa is a time for families and communities to come together to remember the past and to celebrate African American culture. Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.
Kwanzaa gets its name from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” and is rooted in first fruit celebrations which are found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times. The seven principles which form its core were drawn from communitarian values found throughout the African continent. These principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
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). 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. Learn more at: kwanzaanashville.com
Kwanzaa Nashville continues Saturday, December 27, Day 2, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), with a program at Hadley Park Community Center, from 4:00 – 6:30 pm, featuring Baba Musa with Natural drummers, sound bowls, drumming, and dance; Popular singers, youth / children’s groups, and other performers who draw a crowd; Breakout Sessions; a Dance Studio — with 30-minute intro classes; Line dancing; Pilates or yoga; a Community Roundtable with an Open discussion on current issues in Nashville and solutions; and a speaker on mental health and nutrition.
Sunday, December 28, The Great Debate Academy and The Great Debate Honor Society will celebrate Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), featuring Dr. Al-Hadid and a distinguished professor from the TSU African Studies Department. The Great Debate continues its tradition of exploring how the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X can be applied in today’s Nashville community. The Great Debate celebration will be held at the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
Monday, December 29 is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), featuring Jordon Harris and Monchiere Holmes-Jones, at Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore, 2721 Jefferson Street. Tuesday, December 30 is Nia (Purpose), with open mic, poetry, music, and dance centered on purpose and creativity, creating a relaxed, soulful atmosphere for people to enjoy music, connect, and possibly begin with the Kwanzaa ceremony.
Bridging Kuumba (Creativity), Wednesday, December 31 & Imani (Faith), Thursday, January 1. 2026, Metropolitan Interdenominational Church will host a Watch Night service, including a midnight meal featuring cherished traditions of our culture in welcoming the New Year in creativity, faith, and community to conclude this year’s annual week of Kwanzaa Nashville.
