This December, AAMP is thrilled to host a week-long Kwanzaa celebration from December 26 through January 1, 2025, offering both in-person and virtual programming. Designed to honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the festivities blend live performances, family-friendly workshops, culinary experiences, and community-focused events.
The lineup kicks off with a Unity Celebration and Kinara Lighting Ceremony on December 26, where attendees can enjoy live drumming, cultural traditions, and uplifting moments of togetherness. From a Student & Family Resource Day to a vibrant marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, every event invites participants to explore, connect, and celebrate. The week will close with virtual workshops that focus on creativity, intention setting, and faith, helping attendees start the New Year with purpose and inspiration.
Kwanzaa is more than a holiday. it’s a celebration of African American heritage and a call for unity across communities. At AAMP, we welcome visitors of all backgrounds to join us in embracing the rich culture and shared humanity that this holiday embodies.
Full schedule and details are below.
AAMP’s 2024 Kwanzaa lineup of activities is as follows:
Opening Unity Celebration at AAMP
Thursday, December 26, 5-8 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia 701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
On the first day of Kwanzaa, AAMP will celebrate the principle of Umoja (Unity), which means “to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race,” with the Opening Unity Ceremony. The family-friendly event, led by host Shekinah B, will include the lighting of the Kinara to usher in this year’s Kwanzaa season; learning the seven principles of Kwanzaa, also known as “Nguzo Saba”; live drumming, food, and other activities. Preregistration for the event is highly encouraged.
Ujima Student & Family Resource Day with Truist Bank
Friday, December 27, 12 – 4 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
AAMP will celebrate the principle of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), which means “to build and maintain our community together and make our community’s problems our problems and to solve them together.” In the spirit of Ujima, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, in collaboration with Truist Bank, will host a Resource Day for students from middle school to college. At the event, representatives from prestigious institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will come together to guide and empower the next generation of leaders.
New Year Notes Writing Workshop & Open Mic Feat. DJ Foxxy
Saturday, December 28, 2-4 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
Curated by Watu Moja, a local nonprofit and arts organization, the event will feature a vibrant daytime gathering that reimagines their signature Midnight Notes series, showcasing Philly’s rising poets and musical talents. Hosted by the dynamic DJ Foxxy’s Funk, the event will host powerful performances that inspire reflection, connection, and joy.
Evening Vendor Bazaar and Kwanzaa Quizzo with at Franklin Square
Sunday, December 29, 5-8 p.m.
Franklin Square
200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, AAMP will celebrate the principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), which means “to build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together,” with a vibrant marketplace curated by All Black Everything Pop Up, featuring Black-owned businesses from across the region with gifts (or Zawadi in Swahili) just in time for the holiday season, a Kwanzaa-themed game of Quizzo, food, music, and more.
Skillets and Skillsets: A Soul Food Journey at the Free Public Library and Philabundance
Monday, December 30, 2-4 p.m.
Culinary Literacy Center, Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, 19103
On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, AAMP will celebrate the principle of Nia (Purpose), which means “to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to
restore our people to their traditional greatness,” with a special Kwanzaa-inspired hands-on cooking class at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Culinary Literacy Center. This interactive workshop will spotlight the rich culinary traditions of the African Diaspora, led by Samir Hernandez, chef of Philabundance.
Collage Making with Artist Shaheed Rucker
Tuesday, December 31, 1-2 p.m.
Virtual – YouTube and Facebook
On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, AAMP will celebrate the principle of Kuumba (Creativity), which means “always do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.” Shaheed Rucker, AAMP’s debut exhibiting artist, will take participants on an artistic journey into his personal collections and home archives. During this interactive session, Shaheed will share his creative process and guide participants in crafting a vibrant family vision board—setting powerful intentions for the New Year and fostering creativity for future generations.
Setting Your Intentions for A Sacred Year
Monday, January 1, 1-2 p.m.
Virtual – YouTube and Facebook
On the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa, AAMP will celebrate not only the New Year, but the principle of Imani (Faith), which means “to believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle,” with a workshop, led by the dynamic team at Creative Praxis. The workshop will offer a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and build stronger bonds with family and community. It will encourage attendees to explore how faith in ourselves and each other can shape a brighter future through grounding exercises, engaging follow-along activities, and calming meditations.