Local organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Akron chapter of the NAACP are organizing celebrations for each day of Kwanzaa in the Akron area.
Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration of African culture. The non-religious holiday takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Each day focuses on “Nguzo Saba,” Swahili for seven principles, one for each of the seven days of celebration.
Many Kwanzaa observers celebrate differently. Cultural practices include lighting the kinara (candle holder), sharing stories and participating in communal feasts, according to The National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Here is a schedule of events:
Umoja — Unity
Friday, Dec. 26
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
6 p.m.
Alpha Phi Alpha Center, 662 Wolf Ledges Pkwy.
Kujichagulia — Self-determination
Saturday, Dec. 27
6 p.m.
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 442 Bell St.
Ujima — Collective work and responsibility
Sunday, Dec. 28
3 p.m.
The Posh Venue, 133 Merriman Road
Ujamaa — Cooperative economics
Monday, Dec. 29
Akron NAACP
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 S. Main St.
https://www.naacpakron.org/events-1 (Note: The deadline has passed for young entrepreneurs to register for this event.)
Nia — Purpose
Tuesday, Dec. 30
6 p.m.
The Vincent House, 838 E. Exchange St.
Kuumba — Creativity
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Greater Akron Canton Association of Black Social Workers
3 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 3300 Moorehead Road
Imani — Faith
Thursday, Jan. 1
6 p.m.
Remote location on Zoom, Meeting ID 814 7931 9812. Or dial in to 1-646-931-3860