African Pride: Kwanzaa Celebrations in Detroit. Hundreds of people made a short pilgrimage Thursday from Detroit’s Cadillac Square to Campus Martius to see the first candle of the park’s towering Kwanzaa kinara illuminate the dark evening sky. The candle lit on the first day of Kwanzaa symbolizes unity, as did the crowd that gathered for the third annual Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara lighting ceremony in downtown Detroit.
Unity, or “umoja” in Swahili, is the most important of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, said Jamon Jordan, the City of Detroit’s historian.
The other principles include Kujichagulia, or self-determination; Ujima, or collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, or cooperative economics; Nia, or purpose; Kuumba, or creativity; and Imani, or faith. Each are represented by a candle on the kinara.
“The other principles are meaningless unless there exists some level of unity,” Jordan said from a stage at Cadillac Square.
Jordan gave a history of Kwanzaa, created by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate African and African American culture. Jordan also described some of the accomplishments achieved by Black Detroiters who joined together in unity, from freeing a couple from enslavement, to saving the Orchestra Hall from the Great Depression and transforming it into Paradise Theatre to launching Motown Records.
“That’s umoja in Detroit,” Jordan repeated after each example.
The downtown Kwanzaa celebration started at Cadillac Square with performances of African drumming and dance, lessons about the seven principles of Kwanzaa, a martial arts demonstration and a ritual recognizing people who have passed away. People performed and spoke despite an electricity outage that affected the beginning of the event, because, as hosts reminded the crowd, “the power is within us.”
Kwanzaa, established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a week-long celebration honoring African American culture and heritage. Detroit, with its significant African American population, has a rich history of embracing Kwanzaa’s principles, which emphasize unity, self-determination, and community development.
History of Kwanzaa in Detroit
Detroit’s engagement with Kwanzaa dates back to the late 1960s, shortly after the holiday’s inception. Community organizations, cultural centers, and local families began observing the holiday, integrating its principles into the city’s cultural fabric. Over the years, Detroit has become a focal point for Kwanzaa celebrations, reflecting the city’s commitment to African American cultural traditions.
Major Kwanzaa Events in Detroit and Surrounding Areas
In 2024, Detroit and its suburbs are hosting a variety of events to honor Kwanzaa. Here are some notable celebrations:
Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting
On December 26, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the third annual lighting ceremony of the world’s largest Kwanzaa kinara will take place at Campus Martius Park. The 30-foot-tall kinara stands alongside Detroit’s holiday decorations, symbolizing unity and cultural pride.
Kwanzaa at The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
From December 26 to January 1, the museum offers daily in-person and digital events, including traditional African drumming, dance, storytelling, and educational workshops. Visitors can explore exhibitions that delve into the historical and cultural roots inspiring Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Celebration at Detroit Public Library
On December 28, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, the Detroit Public Library will host a Kwanzaa celebration featuring storyteller Michelle McKinney, who will perform several Kwanzaa stories.
Kwanzaa & Kulture: Community Bowling Day
Scheduled for December 27 at Garden Bowl in Detroit, this event offers a unique way to celebrate Kwanzaa through community engagement and recreation.
Kwanzaa Kinara ‘Make and Take’ Workshop
On December 21, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, Alkebu-lan Village hosts a workshop where participants can create their own kinara, fostering creativity and cultural connection.
Kwanzaa Holiday Marketplace at The Wright Museum
On Friday, December 29, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will host a marketplace featuring local vendors. This event celebrates Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) by supporting Black-owned businesses.
Seven Songs of Kwanzaa’ Jazz Concert
Experience a special jazz concert by ‘In the Tradition’ at The Wright Museum on Saturday, December 30, 2024, at 1:00 PM. The performance celebrates Nia (Purpose) through music.
Daily Kwanzaa Celebrations at Historic King Solomon Baptist Church
From December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025, the Historic King Solomon Baptist Church, located at 6100 14th St, Detroit, MI 48208, will host daily Kwanzaa events from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, featuring various community organizations.
Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting
Join the third annual lighting of the Motor City Kinara, a 30-foot-tall monument in Campus Martius Park. The ceremony begins at 4:00 PM on December 26, 2024, with the Unity candle lit at sunset. Daily lightings occur at 5:00 PM through January 1, 2025.
Nanou Djiapo African Drum and Dance Performance
Experience a vibrant performance by ‘Nanou Djiapo,’ a premier youth and young adult African drum and dance group, on December 27, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Kwanzaa Family Activities and Intergenerational Panel
On December 28, 2024, the Charles H. Wright Museum hosts family-friendly Kwanzaa activities from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by an intergenerational panel discussion from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Kwanzaa Celebration ‘Ujima’ Honoring Mama Ravin
Celebrate Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) on December 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Detroit Food Commons, honoring community leader Mama Ravin.
Celebrations in Detroit Suburbs
While Detroit’s core hosts major events, the surrounding suburbs also participate in Kwanzaa celebrations:
- Southfield: Community centers and local organizations often hold Kwanzaa workshops and family gatherings, emphasizing the holiday’s principles.
- Oak Park: Cultural events, including storytelling sessions and craft workshops, are organized to engage residents in Kwanzaa traditions.
- Dearborn: Libraries and community groups may host educational programs about Kwanzaa, promoting cultural awareness and unity.
Significance of Kwanzaa in Detroit
Kwanzaa in Detroit serves as a reaffirmation of African American identity and community strength. The city’s large African American population finds in Kwanzaa an opportunity to celebrate heritage, educate younger generations, and promote the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) that guide the holiday.
The establishment of the world’s largest kinara in Campus Martius Park underscores Detroit’s dedication to honoring African American culture. This monument stands as a testament to the city’s recognition of Kwanzaa’s importance and its commitment to inclusivity during the holiday season.
Detroit’s celebration of Kwanzaa in 2024 reflects a deep-rooted commitment to cultural heritage and community unity. Through various events across the city and its suburbs, residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to engage with the rich traditions of Kwanzaa, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
