Kwanzaa events on Long Island: Celebrate community

    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). 

 "Kwanzaa is rooted in community and coming together to make the world better," says Aimee Terzulli, vice president for program and visitor experience at the Long Island Children's Museum in Uniondale, where you can make a Kwanzaa craft. "At a time associated with light and renewal, this is a wonderful message to share with visitors."

Town of Hempstead's Deputy Supervisor Dorothy L. Goosby's office will be hosting a karamu feast for the community featuring guest speakers, traditional food and dancing to ring in the holiday. 

"Our thoughts are on community, family and unity, three strong key principles and when they're connected and they're working together, these principles are unstoppable, that's what Kwanzaa means to us," says Goosby.

Celebrate the richness of African roots at these Kwanzaa events this month:

Dec. 6: Kwanzaa celebration 

Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., Garden City

The Department of African, Black and Caribbean Studies presents their first Kwanzaa as a Department rather than a Center. The celebration of African heritage focuses on unity and culture with a keynote address by Sentwali Bakari, Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, a reading of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the lighting of the seven candles of the Kinara, a cultural performance by students from the African American dance class and guests are invited to conclude the evening with a traditional meal at Ruth S. Harley University Center, Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom 203.

• When 6 to 8 p.m. 
• Cost Free; Registration required
• More info adelphi.edu, 516-877-4980

Dec. 11: Listen to stories and learn about Kwanzaa

Lakeview Public Library, 1120 Woodfield Rd., Rockville Centre

Storyteller and singer, April Armstrong tells stories and shares information about the origins of Kwanzaa.

• When 6 p.m.
• Cost Free; advanced registration online but walk-ins accepted 
• More info lakeviewlibrary.org, 516-536-3071 

Dec. 11: Celebrate Kwanzaa

Lakeview Public Library, 1120 Woodfield Rd., Rockville Centre

Award-winning storyteller and singer April Armstrong shares stories and songs of culture and community. Learn about the seven principles through stories, songs and drumming.

• When 6 p.m.
• Cost Free; Register online in advance
• More info lakeviewlibrary.org, 516-536-3071

Dec. 12: Attend a candlelight ceremony

Farmingdale State College, Campus Center Ballroom, 2350 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale

Join the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Long Island Chapter, for a celebration focused on the principles of Kwanzaa during an evening of reflection, unity, and cultural pride. The event features guest speakers, a candlelighting ceremony, and cultural dance performances.

• When 7 to 9 p.m.
• Cost Free
• More info farmingdale.edu

Dec. 14: Kwanzaa family Celebration

Westbury Arts, 255 Schenck Ave.

The celebration features African music and African-inspired crafts.

• When 1 to 4 p.m.
• Cost $10 per family 
• More info 516-400-2787  

Dec. 14: Reflect on the values 

55 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills

Collaboration between the Mother's Club of Wheatley Heights and the Concerned Father's Association and the Half Hollow Hills Community library that features music and dance performances by the students from the Half Hollow Hills school district at Half Hollow Hills Community Library. Cultural celebration focuses on African American values of family, community, responsibility, commerce and self improvement.

• When 2 to 4 p.m. 
• Cost Free to all Nassau/Suffolk library cardholders; two admissions for every library cardholder
• More info hhhlibrary.org, 631-421-4530

Dec. 19: Enjoy a karamu feast 

Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead

The annual celebration hosted by the Town of Hempstead's Deputy Supervisor Dorothy L. Goosby's office will feature a guest speaker along with local students dancing and singing. A traditional Kwanzaa chief focuses on the seven principles of the holiday, followed by a karamu feast that typically features traditional southern cuisine like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and candied yams, and can also include Caribbean cuisine such as stewed or jerk chicken.

• When 6 p.m.
• Cost Free 
• More info hempsteadny.gov, 516-48 9-5000  ext. 4304

Dec. 20: Music and song celebration

Wyandanch Public Library, 14 S. 20th St.

The celebration features griot music and storytelling. 

• When Noon to 1 p.m.
• Cost Free; no registration needed
• More info wyandanch.librarycalendar.com, 631-643-4848

Dec. 26: Play a holiday trivia game 

Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke.

The trivia game show focuses on holiday themes with author Rosa Yordan. Participants will be chosen from the audience and attendees will learn a Kwanzaa dance.

• When Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Cost Free 
• More info elmontlibrary.org, 516-354-5280 

Dec. 30: Make a mkeka craft

11 Davis Ave., Uniondale

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.

• When The event takes place 1 to 3 p.m.
• Cost Free with $18 museum admission; for ages 5 and up; purchase tickets online in advance
• More info licm.org, 516-224-5800