Join the Equity Council Corp. to celebrate 25 years of Community Kwanzaa Events with a Umoja Candle Lighting Ceremony at the Winter Park Community Center!
On Thursday, December 26, from 5 to 9 pm, the Equity Council Corp. is hosting its annual Kwanzaa Celebration, sponsored by Winter Park's Parks & Recreation Department.
Enjoy food, drumming, special dance and musical performances, and support black-owned businesses by shopping the SOKO Marketplace.
This year's celebration will commence with the lighting of the Black Candle and focus on the Kwanzaa principle of Umoja (Unity).
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a cultural holiday celebrating African heritage, unity, and the seven guiding principles known as Nguzo Saba (En-goo-zoh-Sah-Bah):
Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)
Rooted in African traditions, Kwanzaa is celebrated by Africans on the continent and throughout the Diaspora, promoting values that strengthen community and cultural identity
The story of Kwanzaa in Central Florida began in 1988, led by the visionary Queen Mother Dr. Nina White (formerly Dr. Nina Fraiser). Through individual events and symposiums at homes, community centers, schools, and universities, she fostered a deep appreciation for African culture and introduced many to the transformative power of the Nguzo Saba.
In 1999, this legacy expanded when Queen Mother Tanita Fadyeyola, founder of First World Drummers and Dancers, and Queen Mother Olabisi Olakolade, founder of Pankwasum, united to host the first Community-Wide Kwanzaa Celebration in Hannibal Square, Winter Park, FL. This annual tradition quickly grew to include neighboring African American communities, including Eatonville, Parramore, Tangelo Park, Sanford, and Daytona Beach.
This year, we honor 36 years of Kwanzaa in Central Florida and proudly celebrate 25 years in Winter Park and Daytona Beach—a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, tradition, and cultural pride that binds our communities together.
Event Highlights
Experience the principle of Umoja (Unity) through:
Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light the Kinara’s first candle, the Black Candle, symbolizing unity.
SOKO Marketplace: Support Black-owned businesses.
Delicious Food: Enjoy a festive community dinner with $10.00 Kwanzaa Dinner Plates.
Performances:
Drumming by Tam Tam Alifa African Drummers
Dance by Winter Park's Kwanzaa Community Dancers, choreographed by Tanita Fadyeyola
Musical showcase featuring Tamika Love Jones in a fundraising performance for Creative Global Schools.
Central Florida Artist DellShavon
Kingston Jamaica's own Royal Chanta
and more...
For more details, visit www.equitycouncilcorp.org.
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