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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Bay Area Kwanzaa is dedicated to infusing the principles of Kwanzaa into the daily lives of Bay Area residents.
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture December 26 thru January 1.
Learn about Nguzo Saba: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Learn more about Kwanzaa's seven basic symbols.
Altar at 2008 Kwanzaa Ujamma Celebration at Lake Merritt Boat House in Oakland.
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