Celebrate Kwanzaa's Spirit Of Unity At Midtown Global Market With Cultural Wellness Center

Celebrate Kwanzaa's Spirit Of Unity At Midtown Global Market With Cultural Wellness Center

As the city winds down from the holiday rush, the Cultural Wellness Center is extending an invitation to the community to come together and celebrate Kwanzaa at Midtown Global Market. From December 26 through December 31, the free Pan-African Kwanzaa Celebration will be held each day, with a host of activities aimed at honoring the spirit of freedom, unity, and resilience that undergirds this cultural observance. According to KARE 11, the event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and feature performances, activities, and food.

The celebration kicks off each day with a "Call of the Drums" opening ceremony, a tradition designed to honor one's ancestors. This event, as expressed by Twin Cities Geek, is not just a festive gathering but also an opportunity to deeply reconnect with cultural roots. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in various expressions of African heritage through storytelling, youth-led activities, and performances, among other offerings reflecting a vibrant diaspora.

Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is represented by a specific theme that corresponds to the values the holiday promotes, giving those who partake a structured means to slowly explore and reflect on these principles. "Day 1 – Umoja (Unity), Day 2 – Kichaguila (Self-Determination), Day 3 – Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibilities), Day 4 – Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Day 5 – Nia (Purpose), Day 6 – Kumbaa (Creativity), Day 7 (Jan.1) – Imani (Faith)," KARE 11 outlined. This format provides participants an opportunity to not just celebrate, but also to to deeply reflect and affirm their commitment to these guiding tenets.

The Cultural Wellness Center champions the idea that understanding one's culture is fundamental to personal and community development. "The Cultural Wellness Center is a transformative space dedicated to guiding individuals from a focus on race to a deeper connection with culture," a statement obtained by Twin Cities Geek described. With a mission to empower personal healing and equip organizations to foster inclusive, culturally aware environments, the center embodies the very principles Kwanzaa celebrates. Those attending can expect to not only partake in an array of cultural activities but also contribute to the collective narrative of cultural strength and unity the event endeavors to weave.

Details on the celebration and more information about the work of the Cultural Wellness Center can be found on their website. The event promises to serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and an acknowledgment of a shared history worth remembering and carrying forward into the new year.

SOURCE: hoodline