Broward County’s African-American Research Library and Cultural Center will host its annual Kwanzaa Community Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 27, centering this year’s observance on self-determination, cultural pride and collective future-building.
The free event, themed “Africa Rising: Celebrating Heritage, Building Futures,” will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library, located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. The celebration is open to the public and highlights Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), the second principle of Kwanzaa.
“Kujichagulia celebrates the power of naming ourselves, telling our own stories, and shaping our collective future,” said Dr. Tameka Hobbs, historian and library manager at AARLCC. “This celebration welcomes everyone—whether you’ve honored Kwanzaa for years or are discovering it for the first time.”
The day will begin with cultural and wellness-focused activities, including Kemetic yoga and West African dance, designed to promote healing, grounding and self-awareness through movement. Throughout the afternoon, attendees can participate in workshops and community discussions focused on culture, economics, health and global connections.
Sessions will include Kwanzaa 101, conversations on community wealth and reparations, a discussion on investing in Africa, mental health and healing, and a live cooking demonstration centered on food as medicine.
Programming will also extend to families and youth. The event’s Youth & Family Zone will offer hands-on activities such as storytelling, creative arts, coding, gardening and cultural workshops geared toward all ages.
The celebration will conclude with a Kwanzaa Marketplace, featuring Black-owned vendors, artisans, creators and food trucks, highlighting entrepreneurship and creativity across the African diaspora.
This year’s event will also introduce the inaugural Nguzo Saba Awards, recognizing seven community leaders whose work reflects the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The ceremony will include cultural performances, spoken word, music and a keynote lecture or panel discussion, with final speakers to be announced.
“Kwanzaa has always been a time to reflect on how we live the Nguzo Saba in community,” said Nzingah Oniwosan, a Haitian American holistic health consultant and founder of Yes Baby I Like It Raw. “This year, we have the chance to honor those who embody these principles through their work and celebrate them while they are still here.”
Featured workshops and cultural sessions will include African oral storytelling with Baba Lyons, Earth Bow instrument-making with Baba Eddie Lyons, healthy eating demonstrations with EatWell Exchange, an investing and relocation session focused on Ghana with The Adinkra Group, and a Zawadi gift-making workshop inspired by the principle of Kuumba, or creativity.
AARLCC is partnering with Yes Baby I Like It Raw to support the event’s cultural and wellness programming.
Organizers say the annual celebration continues to serve as a space for reflection, connection and community-building.
“Kwanzaa is more than a holiday,” Hobbs said. “It’s a living expression of culture, purpose and shared growth.”
The event is free, with advance registration available online.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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