Bay Area Kwanzaa

Bay Area Celebrates Kwanzaa (2011)

2012-01-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

The Bay Area came out in full force in 2011 to celebrate Kwanzaa, the Pan-African and African American holiday designed to promote family, community and positive Black culture. (See Photos)

Before Kwanzaa "officially" started, there were celebrations at both Laney College and UC Berkeley.

Keeping a long-standing tradition alive, Wo'se Church kicked off the first night of Kwanzaa in East Oakland.

The second night of Kwanzaa saw two events in downtown Oakland; a Kwanzaa dinner hosted by a Bay Area artists collective, and a presentation by spoken word artist Ise Lyfe.

On the fifth night of Kwanzaa, the East Bay Church of Religious Science hosted Nia Later that same evening, the Pan-African Peoples Organization hosted Nia also.

In addition to programs across the Bay Area in Sunnyvale and East Palo Alto, the Village Project hosted its seventh annual series of Kwanzaa programs.

Kwanzaa hosted by Pan African People's Organization

2011-12-31T03:10:00.000-08:00

On December 30, the Pan African People's Organization hosted "Nia" at the Afrikan Children's Advanced Learning Center. The celebration, hosted by the organization for decades, featured drumming and a history of Kwanzaa.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

2011 Bay Area Kwanzaa Event Calendar

2011-12-29T21:33:00.000-08:00

Download flyer of 2011 Kwanzaa events (PDF)

Lyfe Productives Kwanzaa

2011-12-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 27, Ise Lyfe's company, Lyfe Productives, hosted a Kwanzaa celebration and year in review in downtown Oakland. The program was hosted by Nikki Thomas, began with libations by Jason Seals, African Professor at Merritt College.

The main feature of the program was Ise showcasing his organization's work over the past few years, and what is in store for 2012.

Photos by Reginald James.

Bay Area Discovery Museum Kwanzaa Photos (2011)

2011-12-28T18:42:00.000-08:00

Photos from the Bay Area Discovery Museums annual Kwanzaa celebration, held on December 26, 2011.

Former Laney College student Nubia I sings, "Wade in the water" during Kwanzaa celebration in Marin.

This years Kwanzaa had a celebration focusing on the African Roots of Jazz.

The Kwanzaa altar at Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Photos from Bay Area Discovery Museum on Flickr.

Homies host Kujichagulia Kwanzaa in Oakland

2011-12-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

On December 27, the second night of Kwanzaa was hosted by the "Homies" in the lobby of the Empyrean Towers in downtown Oakland. After starting with a dinner, the program featured libations, a circle about the meaning of "self-determination" (the translation of Kujichagulia) and music.

Oakland artist Mercedes Martin was chief organizer and facilitator of evening.

Kwanzaa altar.

Photos by Reginald James.

UC Berkeley hosts Kwanzaa Celebration

2011-12-28T02:59:00.000-08:00

A Kwanzaa celebration held at UC Berkeley on December 7 in the Martin Luther King Student Union in the Multicultural Center. The program was attended by over 100 students and community members.

The Kwanzaa program was organized by the African American Themed program, Sankofa S.O.U.L. The event featured dancers, poetry, drumming and song, with much of it performed by talented Cal students.

Photos by Reginald James.

Kwanzaa - Nia hosted by East Bay Church

2011-12-28T02:14:00.000-08:00

The East Bay Bay Church of Religious Science hosted the fifth night of Kwanzaa in Oakland on December 29. Nia, kiswahili for "purpose," was the program theme. The event featured music, drumming, dance and storytelling.

The program began with drumming led by Tacuma King and Val. Children danced along and joined in on the drums.

This was followed by a Kwanzaa song performed with youth from EBCRS.

Senior Minister Eloise led a prayer to bless the proceedings.

Children also performed a number of dance routines.

The crowd as East Bay was packed, as usual.

A poet performed poetry about strengthening the Black Family.

A youth dance group also performed.

After the performances, families came up together to light candles.

A candle was lit for each principle and night of Kwanzaa.

The program ended with a story from Baba Kwame Ntoto.

And a dance performance by Lady Sunrise and her daughter.

PHOTO SLIDESHOW

Photos by Reginald James

Umoja - Oakland Kwanzaa by Wo'se (2011)

2011-12-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

Wo'se Community of Amen-Ra hosted the first night of Kwanzaa, themed "Umoja" (unity) on December 26 at the Holy Redeemer Center in Oakland. The event featured dancers, singers, poets, and more.

Leon Sykes, host of Streets is Talking Radio, hosted Wo'se's Kwanzaa event.

The drum procession kicked off Kwanzaa.

James Weldon Johnson's Negro National Anthem of "Lift E'ry Voice and Sing" was led by this sistah.

Baba Jahi led the libations.

Spoken word youth group, "Young Gifted & Black" rocked the mic.

Children from Wo'se's school, Ile Omode, showcased a dance performance.

The program ended with a Harambee chant.

The Umoja altar at the Holy Redeemer Center for the first night of Kwanzaa in Oakland.

Photos by Reginald James. Wo'se also hosted the first night of Kwanzaa in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

2011 Bay Area Kwanzaa Photos

2011-12-26T09:19:00.000-08:00

Collection of photos from 2011 Bay Area Kwanzaa events. Click the photos to see more from each individual.

UC Berkeley Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa at Afrikan Children's Advance Learning Center

Laney College Pre-Kwanzaa
UC Berkeley Pre-Kwanzaa, hosted by African American Development Office
Oakland Kwanzaa, hosted by Wo'se Church of Amen-Ra
Kujichagulia, Homies Kwanzaa Dinner
Kujichagulia, hosted by Lyfe Productives
Nia, hosted by East Bay Church of Religious Science
Nia, hosted by Pan African People's Organization

Laney College BSU Kwanzaa

2011-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Laney College Black Student Union (Laney BSU) hosted a Kwanzaa celebration with the campus dance department on December 1. The event featured dance, music and singing by students.

Photos Courtesy of A Better Laney.

2010 Bay Area Kwanzaa Photos

2010-12-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Photos from Bay Area Kwanzaa events in 2010.

2010 Bay Area Kwanzaa Celebrations Calendar

2010-11-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this site is to give the community a single-source of information about Kwanzaa celebrations in the Bay Area.

You can find information about [upcoming Kwanzaa events] throughout the Bay Area, including Oakland, East Palo Alto, San Francisco and Berkeley. Additionally, we've provided basic information about Kwanzaa, its history, principles, symbols and practices. We also have links to other Kwanzaa sites featuring Kwanzaa history, children's activities and resources.

Come back to see Bay Area Kwanzaa photos.

This Bay Area Kwanzaa site was created by The Black Hour Radio Show as a community informational resource. If you have additions to this list, email us.

Laney College Pre-Kwanzaa (2009)

2009-12-29T19:11:00.000-08:00

On December 5, the Laney College African American Studies Department and Black Student Union hosted a Kwanzaa celebration. The program, organized by Prof. Tamika Brown, honored retired Professor Dr. Carole Ward Allen.

Laney College Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

Photos by Aaron Lowe for TheBlackHour.com, courtesy of the Laney Tower.

Umoja celebration in East Oakland (2009)

2009-12-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

On December 26, the Wo'se Community of Amen-Ra hosted the first night of Kwanzaa at the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC).

Photos by Reginald James for TheBlackHour.com.

2009 BAY AREA KWANZAA EVENTS

2009-12-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

VIDEOS

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About Kwanzaa

KwanzaaVideo outlining the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba.

Kwanzaa Song

Kwanzaa Song by Kev Choice

UMOJA

Umoja hosted by IleOmede 2008

East Bay: Bay Area Kwanzaa Events

2009-12-26T07:50:00.001-08:00

2009 Kwanzaa events taking place in the East Bay.

Saturday, December 26, 2009
UMOJA (Unity)
6-8 p.m.
East Oakland Youth Development Center
8900 International Blvd
Oakland
Sunday, December 27, 2009
KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)
4-6 p.m.
East Bay Church of Religious Science
4130 Telegraph Ave
Monday, December 28, 2009
UJIMA (Collective work and responsibility)Monday Soul
Air Lounge
492 9th Street
Oakland
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics)
TBA
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
NIA (Purpose)
Wo'se Community: House of Amen Ra
8924 Holly St
Oakland
Thursday, December 31, 2009
KUUMBA (Creativity)
8 p.m.
Eastside Arts Alliance
2277 International Blvd
Oakland
Friday, January 1, 2009
FAITH (Imani)
To be celebrated at home with family and loved ones

NGUZO SABA: The Seven Principles

2009-12-19T18:19:00.000-08:00

NGUZO SABA
(The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa)
Kwanzaa has seven principles that corresponde with the seven days of the celebration. Each day represents a value that must celebrated year round.

Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Source: Official Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa at Bay Area Discovery Museum

2009-12-18T16:54:00.000-08:00

Photo: Flickr user Bay Area Discover Museum

Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Saturday, December 26
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Free Museum admission and performances!

The African Roots of Jazz
11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Discovery Theatre

Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Bay Area Discovery Museum on Dec. 26 from 10am-5 p.m. This Bay Area Kwanzaa celebration features with art projects inspired by the African continent and a Kwanzaa altar in the museum’s Entry Pavilion.

Renowned jazz drummer E.W. Wainwright and his ensemble, the African Roots of Jazz, take us on a musical journey that traces African-American musical forms, such as jazz, gospel and spirituals, from their earliest beginnings in African cultures to today. The program features instrumental music, songs, theater and audience participation.

Free museum admission and performances at Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, (415) 339-3900, reservations@badm.org. More info at BADM.

Oakland: Umoja at EOYDC

2009-12-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Umoja, Wo'se Community is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration at the East Oakland Youth Development Center on Saturday, December 26, 2009 from 6-8 p.m.

This event kicks off the Bay Area Kwanzaa Committee's 2009 celebration.

Oakland: Ujima at Monday Soul at Air Lounge

2009-12-05T00:07:00.000-08:00

This special edition of Monday Soul is an "Ujima" celebration, and an Oscar Grant family fundraiser. The event features singer and song-writer Malika Ubaka -- from Making the Band.

Monday Soul is a weekly networking party held at the Air Lounge in Oakland. Monday Soul is hosted by Mr. JE and Jareem. Free cover all night.

For more information, visit Monday Soul on Myspace. The Air Lounge is located at 492 9th Street in Oakland.

Concord celebrates Kwanzaa

2009-12-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Black Families Association of Contra Costa County’s Family, Community and Culture Kwanzaa 2009 will be celebrated Tuesday, December 29 from 6-9 p.m. at the Concord Senior Center.

Discover the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and how they apply to oneself and one’s family’s everyday lives. All ages and ethnic groups are welcome.

The evening’s program will include entertainment and refreshments. Come and learn more about what Kwanzaa is all about.

The Concord Senior Center is located at 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord. For more info, call (925) 229-2710 or visit Black Families Association of Contra Costa County.

-- Brief courtesy of Wanda's Picks

2009 Bay Area Kwanzaa Photos

2009-12-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Photos from Kwanzaa celebrations in the Bay Area in 2009.

Umoja at East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC)

Laney College Pre-Kwanzaa (2009)

LINKS

2009-11-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Links to non-commercial Kwanzaa sites

HISTORY
Official Kwanzaa Website
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/

BAY AREA KWANZAA

Bay Area Kwanzaa Events
http://baykwanzaa.blogspot.com/

Kwanzaa San Francisco
http://www.kwanzaasanfrancisco.com/

KWANZAA RESOURCES

Kwanzaa on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

Everything About Kwanzaa
http://www.tike.com/celeb-kw.htm

Kwanzaa on Holidays.com
http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa

Kwanzaa on History.com
http://www.history.com/content/kwanzaa

The Meaning of Kwanzaa
http://www.ritesofpassage.org/kwanzaameaning.htm

FOR YOUTH
Kwanza Arts and Crafts
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/kwanza/

For Educators
http://www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalholidays/kwanzaa/

Kwanzaa Activities
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/kwanzaa/index.htm

Free Kids Kwanzaa Games
http://www.thekidzpage.com/holidays/kwanzaa/index.html

Kwanzaa Children's Games
http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/kwanzaa/kwanzaa.htm

last updated: 12/21/2011

COMMITTEE

2009-11-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

The inspiration for the creation of this website is the Bay Area Kwanzaa Committee.

"THE BAY AREA KWANZAA COMMITTEE is an organization representing various Houses of Kwanzaa that have been celebrating Kwanzaa for over 30 years. The Bay Area Kwanzaa Committee operates on a philosophy based on an understanding of Kwanzaa's deep significance to the African community. The committee treats Kwanzaa as a non-commercial, spiritual, political and cultural holiday.

"In keeping with the tradition of Kwanzaa, EVERYONE IS ENCOURAGED TO BRING SOMETHING HEALTHY TO SHARE FOR THE KARAMU/FEAST (No Pork Please)."

The Committee notes, "It is a traditional practice to wear Afrikan cultural attire to Kwanzaa ceremonies, yet what ever you're wearing please come and join our ceremony and celebration."

Bay Area Kwanzaa organized by the Committee have asterisk**

East Bay Kwanzaa Events

2009-11-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

UMOJA - UNITY: Saturday December 26-6 PM
Hosted by WOSE COMMUNITY: HOUSE OF AMEN RA
EAST OAKLAND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
8200 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94621
(510)632-8230/(510)654-2620

KUJICHAGULIA - SELF DETERMINATION: Sunday December 27 4-7 PM
Hosted by: THE EAST BAY CHURCH OF RELIGIOUS SCIENCE
4130 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94069
(510)420-1003

KUJICHAGULIA - SELF DETERMINATION: Sunday December 27 - 7 PM
Hosted by: NAIROBI CULTURAL COMMITTEE
Tulip Jones Women's Club
1310 Bay Road
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(510)325-5623/799-4828

UJIMA- COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY: Monday December - 28 7 PM
Hosted by: THE PAN AFRIKAN PEOPLE'S ORGANIZATION (PAPO)
959 33rd St.
Oakland, CA 94607
(510)465-2886/(510)917-5878

UJAMAA - COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS: Tuesday December29 -
TBA (To Be Announced)

NIA - PURPOSE: Wednesday December 30 6 PM
Hosted by: WOSE COMMUNITY: HOUSE OF AMEN RA
8924 Holly St.,
Oakland, cA 94621
A family night of fun, video games, Classic Black Movies, music
(Bring your ipod playlist), drum class, dominoes and more!
Bring the entire family!

KUUMBA - CREATIVITY: Thursday December 31
TBA

IMANI - FAITH: - Friday January 1
To be held in your home in honor of the extended family

SF Kwanzaa

2009-11-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

The Village Project, in collaboration with community organizations, presents Kwanzaa Celebration 2009 for the City of San Francisco. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is celebrated annually by more than 30 million people worldwide, over seven days from December 26 to January 1.

The values of Kwanzaa, Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), are critical tools for addressing the issues facing the African-American community. Adrian Williams is the founder of The Village Project, a youth service organization focusing on education and cultural enrichment for youth and their families in the Western Addition. She has revived the celebration of Kwanzaa throughout San Francisco, by connecting traditionally African American communities for this celebration. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa will be hosted at seven different venues throughout the City. Participating communities will present exciting and enriching cultural programs intended to both engage and entertain the entire family. The Community Partners of these events include: The Filllmore Center, the buchanan ymca, mayor’s office of neighborhood services, western addition family resource center, marcus bookstore, African american holistic wellness program, omi ymca, Bayview YMCA, Kaiser Permanent, The Fillmore Benefit District, minnie & lovie rec center, bayview public library, african american art and culture complex, the jazz heritage center, yoshi’s, bayview ymca, S.N.I.G, Margaret Hayward rec-connect, opportunity impact, sf safe, kwanza morton, and malik seneferu.

When: December 26, 2009 thru January 1, 2010

Umoja (unity) Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009; 12 Noon - 4:30 pm, Fillmore Center Plaza, 1475 Fillmore: to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (self-determination) Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009; 1:30 – 5 pm, Buchanan YMCA, 1530 Buchanan: to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (collective work and responsibility) Monday, Dec. 28, 2009; 12 Noon - 1:00 pm, City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Way: 6:00 pm. Marcus Book Store, 1712 Fillmore: to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (cooperative economics) Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009; 3 pm – 7 pm, The Minnie & Lovie Rec Center, 650 Capitol Street: to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses together.

Nia (purpose): Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 1 pm - 3 pm, Bayview Library, 5075 3rd Street; 6 pm Reception, 7 pm Program, African American Arts & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton: to make our collective vocation the building of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (creativity) Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, 2 pm – 5 pm, Yoshi’s & The Jazz Heritage Center, 1330 Fillmore: to do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (faith) Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, 6 pm – 8 pm, Bayview YMCA, 1601 Lane Street; to believe with our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

ALL EVENTS FREE

For Village Project Events, contact Adrian Williams for more info: (415) 424-2980 .

Berkeley City College Pre-Kwanzaa (2008)

2008-12-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

The Berkeley City College Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its second Pre-Kwanzaa event Friday, Dec. 5 in the Berkeley City College Auditorium. The event featured a performance by spoken word artist Ise Lyfe, the Funk Revival Orchestra, and poetry by students.

Original flyer:

2008 Bay Area Kwanzaa Photos

2008-12-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

2008 photos from Bay Area Kwanzaa celebrations.

Ujamaa Celebration at Lake Merritt Boat House

Berkeley City College Pre-Kwanzaa

December 5, 2008, Berkeley City College, Berkeley, CA.

Kwanzaa band plays to get food for hungry

2007-12-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

Food Bank "Giving Tree" made for The Cannery food drive in Del-mote Square, San Francisco. Kwanzaa band, "Live Wood" plays and dances infront of the tree.

Tree Made by Because We Can.

Photos by

Slideshow of images:

Images courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum on Flickr.

2007 Bay Area Kwanzaa Photos

2007-12-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Photos from the Bay Area Discovery Museum's annual Kwanzaa celebration.
Above, the "Littlest African Queens" dance to the sounds of the drum. Master drummer Kele Nitoto can be seen in the background.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum hosts a Kwanzaa celebration every year that focuses on arts, music, and dance for children and families.

See more photos from that event

Kwanzaa band, "Live Wood" plays in San Francisco.

2006 Kwanzaa Photos

2006-12-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

Laney College Club Knowledge hosts Pre-Kwanzaa celebration