Our annual signature event is to celebrate Kwanza from December 26 - January 1. 

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Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural holiday celebrated primarily in the United States from December 26 through January 1. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga to celebrate African American culture, heritage, community, and family.

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Kwanzaa centers on seven principles, called the Nguzo Saba:

1. Umoja — Unity

2. Kujichagulia — Self-Determination

3. Ujima — Collective Work and Responsibility

4. Ujamaa — Cooperative Economics

5. Nia — Purpose

6. Kuumba — Creativity

7. Imani — Faith

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Families may celebrate by lighting a kinara (candle holder), displaying the mishumaa saba (seven candles), sharing meals, telling stories, listening to music, giving meaningful gifts, and gathering with family and community.

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The colors associated with Kwanzaa are red, black, and green:

• Black represents the people.

• Red represents struggle and sacrifice.

• Green represents hope, growth, and the future.

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The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits,” referring to traditional African harvest celebrations.