The WorldBeat Cultural Center in San Diego has once again opened its doors for its 45th annual Kwanzaa celebration, marking nearly half a century of commitment to this cultural holiday. As reported by 10News, the center will honor four of the seven days of Kwanzaa, which lasts from December 26 through January 1, based on principles known as the Nguzo Saba. Highlights include ceremonies with candle lighting, libation rituals, African drumming, and a Karamu feast to embrace the spirit of community and culture.
Each celebratory night focuses on a different Kwanzaa principle, commencing with Umoja (Unity) and trailing through to Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics). As revealed by the WorldBeat Cultural Center, several individuals who embody these principles in their work were acknowledged, including Chuck Ambers and Maria Lane among others. In addition, the WorldBeat Cultural Center's Instagram page notes that attendees can expect a mix of poetry readings by Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, guest speakers, and performances at no charge to families.
This year’s festivities began on Friday with an emphasis on unity, featuring keynote speakers such as Starla Lewis, an educator and San Diego Women's Hall of Fame inductee. As per the WorldBeat Cultural Center's announcement, attendees were also treated to a live harp performance by Mariea Antoinette, alongside the energetic offerings of the WorldBeat Cultural Center African Drum and Dance Ensemble.
Each subsequent night catered to upholding the integrity of the celebration's thematic principles. For instance, Saturday honored Kujichagulia with a keynote address from Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black. According to the program, the celebration concluded on Monday, with multi-disciplinary artist Tebe Zalango blending hip-hop, spoken word, and violin into a compelling performance that fosters the notion of shared growth and empowerment.
