Kwanzaa at 60 at The Wright museum
Five days of culture, community, and family fun!
The Charles H. Wright Museum will host events on multiple days/times.
In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa as a celebration of African American culture, family, and community. Sixty years later, we're marking the milestone with five days at the Wright Museum. Each day is built around one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, and offers something for every generation: lectures, hands-on activities, conversation, and a marketplace of local Black-owned vendors.
Come for one day or all five. Bring the kids, bring your elders, and bring a neighbor.
Every Day Includes
- Short lectures on Kwanzaa's history, symbols, and principles
- Hands-on activities for all ages
- Immersive conversations where elders and young people learn from one another
- Family fun, including storytelling, crafts, and games in a dedicated family space
- Local Black-owned vendors offering handmade goods, art, books, and food
Who Should Attend
Everyone. Families, elders, youth, students, and neighbors, whether you've celebrated Kwanzaa for decades or are joining for the first time.
Cost: Free
Kwanzaa 2026 Scheduled Programs
- Day 1 | Umoja (Unity) | Saturday, December 26
Striving for unity in the family, community, nation, and race. We open with a libation ceremony honoring our ancestors, a short talk on the history of Kwanzaa from 1966 to today, and the lighting of the first candle. Family activity: create a unity mural where every visitor adds a piece.
- Day 2 | Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) | Sunday, December 27
Defining ourselves, naming ourselves, and speaking for ourselves. Join an immersive conversation on identity and voice across generations. Family activity: design a personal name banner and learn the meaning behind names and naming traditions.
- Day 3 | Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) | Monday, December 28
Building and maintaining our community together and solving problems together. Explore stories of community builders and take part in a group project. Family activity: build a mkeka, a woven mat made from strips contributed by everyone, that becomes part of the museum's celebration.
- Day 4 | Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) | Tuesday, December 29
Building and supporting our own businesses and sharing the wealth. Today's local vendor marketplace is the centerpiece, with Black-owned makers, artists, authors, and food vendors. Hear from business owners about their journeys. Family activity: a kids' marketplace where young entrepreneurs make and "sell" their own crafts.
- Day 5 | Nia (Purpose) | Wednesday, December 30
Making our collective vocation the building and development of our community. Reflect on purpose in a community conversation, then look ahead. Family activity: make a kinara or candle holder to take home and write a purpose pledge for the year ahead.
- Day 6 & 7 | Kuumba (Creativity) | Thursday, December 31 - Friday, January 1
Please Note: Day 6 - Kuumba (Creativity) and Day 7 - Imani (Faith) fall on December 31 and January 1. There are no planned events as The Wright Museum building will be closed to the public. We invite you to carry the celebration home or other local institutions with these final two principles, and creativity will be with you all week in our hands-on activities.