What Kwanzaa Teaches Us About Unity, Leadership, and Healing
Learn more about Kwanzaa.
Each day of Kwanzaa centers one principle, symbolized through the lighting of the Kinara, a seven-candle holder with red, black, and green candles representing the people, the struggle, and the future.
This year, the Athens Kwanzaa Alliance comes together to celebrate Kwanzaa through a powerful series of educational, cultural, and creative events designed to uplift voices, honor leadership, and invest in the future.
What to Expect:
Friday, December 26 – Umoja (Unity)
Theme: Cultural Competence Strategies for Community Advancement
Location: First AME Church, 521 Hull St, Athens, GA
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
The celebration opens with Umoja, the principle of unity, emphasizing togetherness within family, community, and nation. The evening features guest speakers from Hive Mind Investment Cooperative and Jennine Labuzan-Delane, with food provided by Dawg Gone BBQ. This gathering sets the tone for collective healing, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Saturday, December 27 – Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Theme: Shining a Spotlight on the Voices of Our Youth
Location: Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, GA
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Kujichagulia calls for defining and speaking for ourselves. This event centers youth voices and empowerment, reminding the community that self-determination begins early.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Christina Hylton, presenting Education as a Healing Practice.
Sunday, December 28 – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Theme: Community Conversations with Athens’ Mayoral Candidates
Location: Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, GA
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Ujima emphasizes solving problems together and building a stronger community through shared responsibility. This open forum invites residents to engage directly with local leadership.
Co-hosts: Kirrena Gallagher and Rick Dunn.
Tuesday, December 30 – Nia (Purpose)
Theme: Children’s Reading and Craft Program
Location: Athens Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter St, Athens, GA
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Nia focuses on collective purpose and building a future rooted in community uplift. This family-friendly event nurtures imagination and learning in children.
Storytime Lead: Dr. Freda Giles.
Wednesday, December 31 – Kuumba (Creativity)
Theme: Fashion Show, Community Potluck, and Live Performances
Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Timothy Rd, Athens, GA
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The celebration culminates with Kuumba, honoring creativity as a tool for liberation and expression. The evening features art, fashion, food, and live performances that reflect the vibrancy of the community.
Mistress of Ceremonies: Mokah Johnson.
Why Kwanzaa Matters
Kwanzaa is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. It invites reflection, restoration, and recommitment to values that sustain liberation movements and community care. Through education, dialogue, creativity, and intergenerational engagement, Kwanzaa reinforces the idea that culture is not just remembered—it is lived.
As Athens gathers to observe Kwanzaa, the community affirms its commitment to unity, justice, wellness, and collective progress—carrying these principles beyond the seven days and into the year ahead.
Harambee!
