Kwanzaa events celebrating the holiday on Long Island
Layla Michel, along with other members of Long Island Youth Foundation and Layla’s Dance and Drum, performs during the Village of Hempstead’s Kwanza Celebration. Credit: Howard Schnapp
Honoring African American heritage and its rich traditions, Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 with dinner feasts, music, dancing and the seven-day lighting of the kinara candles. Each candle represents a principle: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective responsibility); Ujama (cooperative economics) Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Celebrate the richness of African roots at these Kwanzaa events this month:
Learn about the creation of the holiday
34 Second Ave., Brentwood
Learn the history behind the creation of the holiday with explanations of the elements on a Kwanzaa table and the seven principles at 6 p.m. Dec. 26 at Brentwood Public Library.
Cost Free; advanced registration required
More info brentwoodnylibrary.org, 631-273-7883.
Play a Kwanzaa trivia game
700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
Play a Kwanzaa trivia game with facts about the holiday at noon Dec. 27 at Elmont Memorial Library.
Cost Free; advanced registration required
More info elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280
Make a mkeka craft
11 Davis Ave., Uniondale
Kwanzaa is the time when many African American families get together to give thanks and enjoy the blessings of family. Join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the Long Island Children’s Museum in celebrating the holiday. Credit: Long Island Children's Museum
Join Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Long Island Children's Museum to learn about the meaning behind the holiday. You'll also create a mkeka, which is a traditional straw mat used on the table during Kwanzaa, and a beaded ear of corn. The event takes place 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 27.
Cost Free with $18 museum admission; for ages 5 and up.
More info licm.org, 516-224-5800
