CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (December 23, 2024) — The African American Museum of Iowa and WIN (Women in NAACP) are partnering to host a Kwanzaa celebration on Saturday, December 28, 12-3PM.
This meaningful celebration of Kwanzaa will honor African American heritage, culture, and unity. The event will include cultural performances and interactive activities for all ages, as well as food, local artisans, and opportunities for learning and reflection.
Join us as we highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba), emphasizing values such as unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility. This open-house style event is free and all are welcome.
Created in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration that creates a space of cultural awareness that pays homage to ancestors of African Americans from the African continent. The rich tradition, culture, and shared heritage of the African American communities are celebrated during Kwanzaa.
This uniquely American tradition is not rooted in religion or any specific African cultural group. Throughout the seven days of the holiday, participants recognize the seven principles of Kwanzaa or Nguzo Saba. One candle is lit per day with the green candles representing the land of Africa and hope for the future, the black, the color of the African race, and the red, the blood shed by ancestors and their struggle.
We invite everyone to come and learn more about this holiday and to celebrate together. Learn more about this program at blackiowa.org/events.
ABOUT AAMI: The African American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American history. As Iowa’s leading educational resource on the topic, we educate more than 30,000 people each year through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.
ABOUT WIN: WIN (Women in NAACP) is a committee of the NAACP that advocates for women and children, and supports the NAACP's mission. The Cedar Rapids branch of WIN sponsors, hosts, and partners with local organizations to support many events including the Taking Care of Me! Seminar Series, story times, and a recent performance of Black Women Walking.
