
On Sunday, December 29, 2024, in collaboration with Lila Allen of Papyrus & Charms (bottom right photo) and The Bronzeville Collective MKE, America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) presented the Ujamaa Marketplace, a community event featuring more than 20 local makers and creatives. Attendees enjoyed shopping with local entrepreneurs, live poetry, door prizes, a children’s activity corner, and more.

The Ujamaa Marketplace is the newest addition to Milwaukee’s continued tradition of citywide Kwanzaa celebrations, and the first Kwanzaa event held by ABHM. “Ujamaa” is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, which translates to “cooperative economics.” This event was curated with community in mind – a way for people of all ages to learn about the importance of this beautiful week-long celebration of African American culture and history.

Milwaukee was one of the first cities in the U.S. to celebrate Kwanzaa. The holiday was created in 1966 Dr. Maulana Karenga and its first celebration here was just one year later.
