In a vibrant celebration of culture and community, the Cultural Wellness Center is ringing in Kwanzaa with a smorgasbord of activities held at South Minneapolis's Midtown Global Market. Known for its diverse blend of shops and eateries, the market is joining forces with the center to host a festive slate of daily events that started December 26th and will wrap up on the 31st, reports KARE 11.
The gathering—anchored by T. Mychael Rambo, a beloved figure in the theatrical sphere and the center’s brand ambassador—kicked off with traditional African drumming and an ancestral invocation. In a moving ceremony, attendees shouted out the names of their ancestors, a ritual affirmed by the responsive chant of 'ashe,' a word that signifies gratitude and affirmation, according to Rambo's statement obtained by KARE 11. Rambo also enlightened the audience on the Kwanzaa candle lighting tradition, alternating red and green candles to symbolize the blood, struggle, future, and harvest, all while venerating the people with the centermost black candle.
Localized around the themes of Black culture as a reconciliatory and healing force, each day's theme is intertwined with the overarching principles of Kwanzaa. Attendees can savor not just the zestful performances by artists like jazz violinist Ernest Bisong but also indulge in healthful, palatable culinary delights designed to be diabetic and cardiovascular-friendly. Delineated in detail on the Cultural Wellness Center’s website, the remaining schedule promises to keep the energy high with more activities, including wellness checks, and on Thursday, as a reward for the inoculation, a $100.00 gift card to those participating in COVID-19 vaccinations. The mention of these offers was reported by the Cultural Wellness Center's announcement.
Shopping takes on a shade of cultural support as a variety of vendors set up shop, selling an array of goods from books and clothing to crystals and incense. In a gesture that underscores the event’s commitment to well-being, free blood pressure and glucose tests are made available. "The African American experience in this country is one that is brought with stress, trauma but it’s also joy," told Rambo to KARE 11, framing the complexities and the resilience inherent within the culture.
As Kwanzaa draws families and communities to bond over shared heritage, the Cultural Wellness Center's celebration stands as more than just a holiday event.
