Milwaukee’s African American institutions celebrate Kwanzaa
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
On Thursday, December 26, 2019 the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 West Center St., presented the 2019 opening ceremony of Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African American culture held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith, called Karamu Ya Imani. It celebrates the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba.
The first night is Umoja – Unity which was hosted by the Wisconsin Black Historical Society (left photo); night two, Kujichagulia – Self Determination was hosted by Africans On The Move; night three, Ujima-Collective Work and Responsibility was hosted by the Wisconsin Black Historical Society; the fourth night, Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics was hosted by the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.; the fifth night, Nia- Purpose was hosted by Oni Onilu; the sixth night, Kuumba – Creativity was hosted by the Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, LTD; and the final night, Imani- Faith was also hosted by Wisconsin African American Women’s Center, LTD (bottom photo). Each night featured traditional rituals, music, dancing, poetry and local vendors selling African themed clothing, art, food and jewelry.
