As one of the biggest Pan-African holidays of the year approaches, various cultural institutions and organizations citywide are celebrating Kwanzaa. The seven day holiday created in the sixties to promote black pride and unity, honors African heritage, community, and family values. The popular Kwanzaa crawl returns on Dec. 26, but here are other ways you can celebrate it next week:
Family Affair
The Museum of the City of New York is hosting a family fun event on the first day of kwanzaa. At the event youngsters and their parents will learn a how-to on making of the ornate straw mat oftenten
“Kwanzaa Family Celebration” at the museum of the City of New York [1220 Fifth Ave. at 103rd St. in Manhattan, (212) 534-1672, www.mcny.org.] Dec. 26, 11am–2 pm. Free with museum admission.
Music and culture
At the American Museum of Natural History, a gospel-themed show is taking stage on Dec 30. There will performances by the The Persuasions, the Brooklyn United Marching Band, and by Vy Higginsen’s Sing Harlem Choir. Hosted by Dr. Linda H. Humes, scholar and storyteller.
American Museum of Natural History [Central Park West and 79th Street in Manhattan, (212) 769-5100, www.amnh.org. Dec. 30 , noon–5 pm. Free with museum admission.
Life with a meaning
Celebrate day five of Kwanzaa with the Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network in Queens. The group will be celebrating the fifth day of the holiday Nia, which means purpose. RSVP recommended.
“Kwanzaa Celebration” at I.S. 192 — The Renaissance School [109-89 204th St. between Hollis and 111th avenues in Saint Albans, Queens. (718) 712-0873, www.qscan.org] . Dec. 30 noon–3 pm. Free.
Big show
To the top the mother of all Kwanzaa celebrations in the city, the Apollo Theater is having its annual extravagant show featuring the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and Les Nubians. The event is entering its 11th year and celebrates all seven principles of the holiday with a dance show.
“Kwanzaa Celebration: Regeneration Night” at Apollo Theater [253 W. 125th St. between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell boulevards in Harlem. (212) 531-5300, www.apoll
The founding father
Meet the creator of Kwanzaa and honor the fourth day of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, which highlights cooperative economics. The international African Arts Festival and founder of the holiday, Dr. Maulana Karenga will be celebrating Kwanzaa with dance performances by the Bambara Dance Troupe.
“51st Kwanzaa Celebration” at JHS 258 [141 Macon St. between Marcy and Tompkins avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant. (718) 789-3264, www.iaafe
