KWANZAA 2010

The Legacy Continues

Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, first floor

Ticket Info

Free with Museum admission

For 44 years, Kwanzaa has celebrated African-American life and heritage. The Legacy Continues…KWANZAA 2010! is a vibrant all-day event that honors the seven African-based principles of Kwanzaa, called Nguzo Saba in Swahili, with performances of song, dance, and spoken word.

The seven “life” principles of Kwanzaa serve as inspiration for the day’s programs: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). An international marketplace is also part of the celebration.

The Legacy Continues…Kwanzaa 2010! is dedicated to the memory of James Stovall, who served as artistic director of the Kwanzaa program for four years.

Schedule of Events

Noon

Marketplace opens.
Throughout the day, special Kwanzaa foods will also be sold in the Museum Food Court.

1–2:30 pm

Umoja (Unity)
Unity NOW!
The beat of an African drum opens the Kwanzaa celebration as Griot Linda Humes leads the audience in a pledge to the youth of the world, which represents a commitment to nurture world peace and tolerance and is meant to empower each child with tools for survival and purpose.

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
The Rhythm of the Soul!
Kujichagulia features performances by the Kotchegna Dance Company (KDC), which is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Ivory Coast dances and drum performances with magnificent masks, acrobatic feats, and stilts; and by Gestures Dance Ensemble, a modern dance company of Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts.  

2:30–3 pm

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
The Music of the Soul!
McCollough Invaders of the United House of Prayer for All People continues a phenomenal African-American tradition: the gospel band. Demonstrating the values of teamwork and discipline, the band’s gifted young people use the power of spirit and music to touch the hearts of thousands of people.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
One annual highlight of the Kwanzaa celebration is the support for craftsmen, visual artists, vendors and community organizations in the international marketplace.

3–4:30 pm

Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
The Birthplace of the Soul – Mother Africa!
To honor origins is to honor purpose and reason for being. The Restoration Dance Theatre Company performs traditional African dance and drumming.

Imani (Faith)
The Power of the Soul!
Filled with spirit and artistic excellence, the dancers of the Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry of the Greater Allen Cathedral shine with the conviction of their beliefs every time they perform.



The Legacy Continues....KWANZAA 2010! is co-produced by Community Works, an arts and education nonprofit organization founded 20 years ago, and New Heritage Theatre Group, the oldest nonprofit black theatre company in New York. The marketplace is organized by the Harlem Arts Alliance.

Support for The Legacy Continues….KWANZAA 2010! is made possible, in part, by the Ford Foundation, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc., the Tolan Family, and the family of Frederick H. Leonhardt.

Program subject to change.