Unity, Self-determination, and Collective Work are just some of the seven principles of Kwanzaa that are commemorated during the cultural holiday.
In honor of the fifth principle called, Nia, the Swahili word meaning ‘purpose.’ Rochester’s first-ever Kwanzaa Ball was held Sunday night at the Memorial Art Gallery. Kwanzza runs from Dec. 26th to Jan. 1st.
More than 300 people attended Kwanzaa at the MAG, some of them dressed in Kente and Dashiki prints to show off their African-inspired attire and to see the fashion show.
Rachel Brown is Director of Marketing and Engagement for the Memorial Art Gallery. She says that the MAG has hosted Kwanzaa celebration for more than 14 years, and hopes to hear positive feedback about the gala from the community after this event which was organized by the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition.
“In the past we done a longer format of the day, taking over the entire gallery space, and this is the first year we are partnering with the coalition, we’ve decided that we would host a shorter, more condensed version and have a nighttime ball so more families could come and enjoy the evening.”
One organizer, Reenah Oshun Golden, says this year, she has seen growing interest of the holiday in the local community.
“We’re seeing that the numbers keep growing this year, and that is something that we want to keep seeing that happen because you know Kwanzaa is a community celebration that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Kwanzaa was popularized in the late 1960’s, a time when many African Americans were seeking to gain a sense of pride of their heritage. According to the National Retail Federation, only two percent of Americans celebrate Kwanzaa.
The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition is trying to change those statistics locally, by bringing Kwanzaa to families by hosting week-long events around the area.
The final Kwanzaa community ceremony is Monday night at Memorial AME Zion Church at 546 Clarissa Street from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.