Kwanzaa 2019: Celebrating Our African Culture
Pictured above is Dr. Maulana Karenga and his wife and Professor KaBa Hiawatha Kamene (inset). Dr. Karenga and Professor Kamene are our two esteemed national speakers this year.
The Buffalo Kwanzaa Committee will host a 53rd Kwanzaa anniversary celebration this year December 26, 2019 thru January 1, 2020.
“Celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.” -Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa Founder
The creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, is scheduled to deliver his yearly founder’s message Monday December 30 at East High School, 820 Northampton at 7 p.m. Dr. Karenga is Professor and Chair of Black Studies at California State University at Long Beach; the creator of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), Kawaida; and author of several books, including “Introduction to Black Studies.”
On Tuesday, December 31, Dr. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene will be presenting at Kwanzaa this year from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Pratt Willert Center. Kaba Hiawatha has starred in several critically acclaimed, documentaries such as Tariq Nasheed’s, Hidden Colors 1, 2, 3, 4, A Pan African, African- Centered educator, consultant, administrator, staff developer and curriculum writer for over 40 years, he has taught every grade level (Pre-K-12) in the New York City Department of Education for over 31 years. Kaba Hiawatha is the creator, Principal Facilitator and Chief Executive Officer of the African-Centered Science Academy, “Per Ankh (Temple/House of Life).” The Per Ankh is now a feature in the Kemetic Wisdom School at www.shockmetaphysics.com. You can get his free E-Course and study guide at www.kabakamene.com
This year’s local theme is “The Afrikan Man, The Original Man In Full Effect!” Sister Akilah/Patricia A. Elliott is this year’s Buffalo Kwanzaa Chair.
THEME: “The Afrikan Man, The Original Man In Full Effect!” All programs will be from 7:00 – 9:00pm unless otherwise noted. Admission is free at all programs!
The Lonnie B. Harrell Afrikan Marketplace is available every evening from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. With an array of incredible vendors selling unique items, locally made, Imported Buy Black!!
-SCHEDULE OF EVENTS-
December 26-Thursday
Umoja – Unity Kwanzaa Dedication!!
City Hall in Niagara Square at 12pm
Black Liberation Flag Raising
Evening Program Opening Ceremony
Tribute to the Ancestors & Elders
Traditionkeepers Black Storytellers of WNY
Access to A-Free-Ka
BUILD Community School 340 Fougeron Street
December 27-Friday Kujichagulia-Self Determination
An evening of electrifying performances by, African
American Cultural Center
BUILD Community School 340 Fougeron Street
December 28-Saturday Ujima-Collective Work &
Responsibility
Children’s Kwanzaa “I AM Afrikan First” Afrikan Cultural Education, & Art Activities & Storytelling 11am – 4pm
Youth Entrepreneur Marketplace
East Community School 820 Northampton Street
<<All children must be accompanied by an adult!>>
Evening Program
Ujima Theater
Ujima in Action! A captivating evening of Arts, Entertainment, and Cultural Activism
429 Plymouth Avenue
December 29-Sunday Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics
Evening Program 6-9:30p.m.
Black Chamber of Commerce Night
Opening Address: “The Black Man is The Original Man” by, Min. Dahveed Muhammad
Panel Discussion: Afrikan Men in Business Legacy: How we did it! How we Keep it! Bailey Avenue Business Association, Fillmore Avenue Business District, East End Business District, and Jefferson Avenue Business District.
Moderator: Richard Cummings, President Black Chamber of Commerce
East Community School 820 Northampton Street
December 30-Monday
Nia-Purpose
Keynote Address: Dr. Maulana Karenga
*Health, Beauty, and Massage Therapy tables dedicated to our our brothers. (6-7:30p.m.)
NiaSoul Concert: For the Love of the Black Man! (8-9:30p.m.)
East Community School 820 Northampton Street
December 31-Tuesday
Kuumba-Creativity
Karamu Feast & Dance!!! 6-9p.m.
*Free Potluck! Please bring a dish to share
(no red meat, alcohol, pork)
Nia Soul Train by, Ras Muata
CAO Pratt Willert Center 422 Pratt Street
January 1-Wednesday
Imani-Faith 12:00-4:00p.m
Presentation: “Our Story: An Interactive Class/Presentation on Afrikan Men from the Motherland to Buffalo”
by Queen Mother Eva M. Doyle
CAO Alphonso Rafi Greene Center
1423 Fillmore Avenue
Daytime Celebrations and Communiversity Classes:
December 26, 2019
2-4pm
Lion Blyden
Marcus Garvey Way
CAO Rafi Center or Juneteenth Bldg (TBD)
December 27, 2019
Noon – 2pm
Ras Joma
Farming While Black
Juneteenth Bldg
December 28, 2019
Children’s Kwanzaa 11-4
Jessica Miller
East Community School
December 29, 2019
Noon – 2pm
Spiritual Sunday
Adegboyega Shamshideen
Yoruba Lessons
CAO Rafi Center
December 30, 2019
Noon – 2pm
Patricia A. Elliott
Repatriation Process to the Motherland
CAO Rafi Center
December 31, 2019
Noon – 3pm
Dr. KaBa Hiawatha Kamene
CAO Pratt Willert Center
January 1, 2020
Noon – 4pm
Mother Eva Doyle
CAO Rafi Center
