The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts successfully hosted its inaugural Kwanzaa family program on December 27, 2023, marking a significant event in the weeklong celebration of Pan-African culture. The program attracted a full house, with families, local leaders, and cultural advocates coming together to honor the principles of Kwanzaa, which emphasize community, culture, and family.
To accommodate the enthusiastic crowd, event organizers had to bring in additional chairs as attendees filled the museum’s event room. The program featured a rich array of activities, including storytelling, music, and dance, alongside discussions about the meaning and significance of Kwanzaa.
Emphasizing Community Values
Oloye Adeyela Bennett, the president of Women in Training and a key speaker at the event, highlighted Kwanzaa’s universal appeal. “Wherever Black people are, we celebrate Kwanzaa,” she stated, emphasizing the holiday’s origins. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by activist Maulana Karenga to celebrate Pan-African history, shared values, family, and culture. The holiday spans seven days, with each day dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba—the seven principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Bennett clarified that while Kwanzaa has cultural and symbolic elements that may overlap with various faith traditions, it is not a religious observance. “We have Christians, Muslims, I practice African traditional religion, but all religions; you could be a-religious, all religious, or not religious at all. It’s a cultural celebration,” she explained. She further pointed out that though Kwanzaa was initially framed by Karenga as a celebration for Black individuals, its values are relevant to everyone. “Even though Dr. Karenga, who started Kwanzaa, meant it to be only for Black people, I say, you know what, all of us need to practice Kwanzaa,” Bennett remarked.
Creating Space for Diversity
The museum’s manager of community and programs, Kaylee Hobbs, expressed that hosting the Kwanzaa program aligns with the museum’s commitment to fostering diverse cultural events. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm surpassed the organizers’ expectations, demonstrating a strong community interest in Kwanzaa traditions.
For the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, this event served not only as a celebration of art, history, and community but also as an opportunity to introduce more families to the rich traditions associated with Kwanzaa. The program has set a precedent for future events aimed at promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity.
As the celebration of Kwanzaa continues, the success of this inaugural family program reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering community ties and understanding among diverse groups.
