Long Beach’s third annual Kwanzaa Experience Event will return to the Doris Topsy Elvord Community Center at Houghton Park on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is hosted by the April Parker Foundation and the Long Beach Health Department, along with several other Black-serving organizations such as the Agape Children’s Museum and Long Beach Unified School District’s Black Student Achievement Initiative.
The celebration will highlight the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The Kwanzaa Experience is also meant to emphasize “the vital role of social capital in the Black community through youth engagement and fostering social connections.”
Kwanzaa, celebrated annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who works as Chair of the Africana Studies Department at California State University, Long Beach despite his convictions for torturing two Black women he kept locked in his garage. First observed in Long Beach in 1966 as part of the Black resistance movement, Kwanzaa has since grown into a nationwide tradition.
“The Kwanzaa Experience is a hallmark of our long-standing commitment to celebrating Long Beach’s vibrant cultural diversity,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “This event is a great opportunity for our city to come together, celebrate and strengthen our connections, and support each other’s wellbeing.”
Participants can enjoy handmade crafts and gifts, hands-on drum circles, the April Parker Fun Zone, live music by Cabrillo High School Student Body President Frank Osborne (DJ Sonny) as well as early childhood education activities and snacks. Information sessions from the United Negro College Fund, a black author book drive and a Black Health Equity resource fair will also be part of the festivities.
The Health Department will be sharing preliminary findings presented by community members from the City’s first-ever Black Community Health Strengths and Needs Assessment.
“The April Parker Foundation is honored to be the presenting sponsor for the 2024 Kwanzaa Experience,” said April Parker Foundation Executive Director April Parker in a public statement. “This partnership is rooted in intentionality, as we embrace the values of unity, self-determination and collective work that Kwanzaa represents. We are thrilled to join this effort to uplift and celebrate a tradition that honors the richness of our heritage and community. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to contributing to this year’s celebration, ensuring Kwanzaa continues to be a vibrant, unifying and meaningful experience for all.”
The event will also feature a welcome ceremony with remarks from City and local representatives, including Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie and Long Beach Unified School District Black Student Achievement Initiative administrators and student groups.
“The Kwanzaa Experience serves as a celebration of a cherished cultural tradition while highlighting the vital connection between community, culture and the promotion of health and wellness,” said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie in a public statement. “It is my privilege to invite all members of our community to come together for this significant and uplifting event.”
