Spend the third day of Kwanzaa at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture in the spirit of Ujima [oo-jee-mah], or collective work and responsibility, to build and maintain our community together. Learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and tour the galleries to view our current exhibitions (link in bio), participate in a facilitated discussion, then create Kwanzaa themed arts & crafts.

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About Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture. Celebrated annually from December 26 thru January 1, Kwanzaa is celebrated by over 20 million people worldwide. Kwanzaa seeks to enforce a connectedness to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles. People of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice Kwanzaa. As Maya Angelou explains in the film The Black Candle, "It is a time when we gather in the spirit of family and community, to celebrate life, love, unity, and hope."

The first Kwanzaa celebration was held on Dec. 26, 1966 in Los Angles California. Established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement, it was conceived and established to reaffirm and restore our rootedness in African culture and serve as a regular communal celebration to reaffirm and reinforce the bonds between us as a people. Kwanzaa began here in the United States, but its roots reach back to African harvest festivities called First Fruits Celebrations.

Wednesday Night Live, presented by Bank of America, includes free admission to the museums (Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Mint Museum) from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday, as well as live entertainment or programming at one of the five participating institutions each week. For more information about Wednesday Night Live and to view the current schedule, please visit www.wednesdaynightliveclt.com or follow them @WedNightLiveCLT on Facebook and Instagram.