Louisville City Wire

Louisville – Councilman Phillip T. Baker (D-6) invites Louisville to celebrate Kwanzaa this holiday season. Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies.

Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is a week-long festival that honors African heritage and highlights seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Each day of the celebration is dedicated to reflecting on and practicing one of these principles. During Kwanzaa, families come together to light the kinara, a candleholder with seven candles representing the principles, and engage in cultural activities, storytelling, and feasting. The holiday encourages unity, self-awareness, and a deep connection to African roots, fostering a sense of community and heritage among those who observe it.

Councilman Baker says, “As a city of multiple faiths and backgrounds, I invite the vibrant community of Louisville to come together in the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation this Kwanzaa season. Let us celebrate the rich heritage of African-American traditions, reflect on the principles of Kwanzaa, and strengthen the bonds that make our community the great place we call home. Happy Kwanzaa and may the joy of this festive season resonate throughout our neighborhoods!”

In Louisville, Kwanzaa will be celebrated with Play Cousins Collective, a local non-profit that celebrates the wisdom and interconnectedness of Louisville’s Black community. Play Cousins Collective will be hosting the following events throughout Louisville:

Tuesday, December 26

Umoja (Unity)

Event: Drum Call

Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1545 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 27

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

Event: Book Fair

Location: Kreative Events, 2722 Crittenden Drive

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 28

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Event: Volunteer Service|

Location: Multiple Locations; please visit www.tinyurl.com/memberplay

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday, December 29

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

Event: Ujamaa Market

Location: MELANnaire Marketplace at Mall St. Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 30

Nia (Purpose)

Event: Youth Talent Showcase

Location: Russell Theater at New Directions, 516 S. 17th Street

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 31

Kuumba (Creativity)

Event: Innovation Noir Dinner

Location: The Gathering Place, 1619 W. Main Street

Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Monday, January 1

Imani (Faith)

Event: Celebration of Faith

Location: Roots 101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st Street

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

For more information and to register, please visit https://playcousinscollective.wildapricot.org/Events.

Original source can be found here.