It’s been more than half a century since Maulana Karenga, a professor in California, created Kwanzaa. The weeklong celebration was originally meant to help bring Black people together following the 1965 Watts Riots in Los Angeles and has since become a staple of the holidays for many Black Americans.
Kwanzaa is observed formally from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It’s a way to honor African heritage and usually ends with a meal and gifts.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa:
• Umoja (Unity): to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
• Kujichagulia (Self-determination): to be responsible for ourselves and create your own destiny.
• Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): to build and maintain your community together.
• Ujamaa (Collective economics): to build, maintain and support our own stores, establishments and businesses.
• Nia (Purpose): to restore African-American people to their traditional greatness.
• Kuumba (Creativity): using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.
• Imani (Faith): believing in our people, families, educators, leaders and the righteousness of the African-American struggle.
Although the pandemic put a halt to many of Kwanzaa events and forced others to go virtual, we put together a list of a few events going on around Indianapolis celebrating Kwanzaa.
Umoja Village Celebration
Where: The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
When: 2-6 p.m. Dec. 26
Cost: Free
Presented by the Indianapolis Kwanzaa Committee, Umoja Village Celebration will celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa, or Umoja, which highlights the principle of unity. The celebration will include an African Village marketplace, food vendors, African drumming and dancing, musical performances and more.
facebook.com/IndyKwanzaaCommittee
Pre-Kwanzaa Market
Where: The Speak Easy, 5255 Winthrop Ave., #110
When: 4-9 p.m. Dec. 26
Cost: Free
Hosted by the Indianapolis Kwanzaa Committee, guests can shop from local vendors, learn more about the holiday and celebrate Kwanzaa together.
facebook.com/IndyKwanzaaCommittee/
Inspirational Talk
Where: Crispus Attucks Museum, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
When: 2-6 p.m. Dec. 27
Cost: Free
Celebrating the second night of Kwanzaa and highlighting the principle of self-determination, the Indianapolis Kwanzaa Committee will host an inspirational talk with a guest speaker. For more information email indykwanzaa@gmail.com.
facebook.com/IndyKwanzaaCommittee
Indy Nia Celebration — Kwanzaa at the Tube
Where: Tube Factory Artspace, 1125 Cruft St.
When: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 30
Cost: Free
This celebration aims to highlight Nia, the fifth principle of Kwanzaa, which represents the idea of cooperative economics. The event will feature Black-owned businesses, youth resources and libations.
facebook.com/events/3612776255678089
Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or email chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
