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NJPAC Hosts Annual Kwanzaa Celebrations Online

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 12/03/2020


(NEWARK, NJ) -- For over 20 years,  New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has provided platform for families to learn and celebrate the cultural traditions associated with Kwanzaa. This year NJPAC welcomes everyone from all around the world to participate in the annual celebration which is VIRTUAL and FREE!

In an innovative move, this year NJPAC continues to celebrate their annual Kwanzaa tradition VIRTUALLY with numerous events and presentations that audiences from everywhere can experience and enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own homes with the convenience and ease of Zoom.

NJPAC's annual FREE Kwanzaa Family Festival is where family members of all ages will be engaged with activities dedicated to the Kwanzaa seven principles of Kwanzaa. They are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). 

The youngest members of the family can enjoy the online arts and crafts projects to young teens and adults engaging in the many panel discussions about storytelling with the elders, social justice or Black theater. Take an online class to explore West African dance, stepping, Zumba, drumming,  capoeira, Bebop Graffiti Arts or Afrobeats. There is something for everyone at this year’s Kwanzaa celebration.

Explore the Kwanzaa Artisan Marketplace where vendors display creative, unique and many one of kind hand-crafted items satisfying all gift giving and shopping needs. The Kwanzaa Artisan Marketplace is VIRTUAL and open now until December 31, 2020 – everyone from anywhere can shop one-of-a-kind gifts and many hand-crafted items by visiting: Virtual Kwanzaa Festival - NJPAC




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Kwanzaa is an African American celebration of life from December 26 to January 1st. Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 to the United States as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home.  Karenga created this festival for Afro-Americans as a response to the commercialism of Christmas.

Tribute to the Elders Stories featuring Amina baraka, Stanley Terrell and Councilwoman Mildred Crump
Dec 19 @ 11:30AM | Kwanzaa • meet the elders • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120
Umoja (Unity)

Social Justice Through the Lens of the Divine 9
Dec 19 @ 1PM | Kwanzaa • conversations • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)


 

The Strength of Black Theater
Dec 19 @ 3PM | Kwanzaa • conversations • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120
Nia (Purpose)


 

Virtual Kwanzaa Movement Classes
Dec 19 @ 5PM | Kwanzaa • learn something • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)


 

Step Afrika
Dec 19 on-demand | dance • learn something • online festival
On- Demand on December 19th
Kuumba (Creativity)


 

Virtual Arts & Crafts
Dec 19 on-demand | creativity • learn something • online festival
On-demand on December 19th

Umoja (Unity)




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Tribute to the Elders Stories featuring Amina baraka, Stanley Terrell and Councilwoman Mildred Crump
Dec 19 @ 11:30AM | Kwanzaa • meet the elders • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120

 

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Social Justice Through the Lens of the Divine 9
Dec 19 @ 1PM | Kwanzaa • conversations • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120

 

Nia (Purpose)
The Strength of Black Theater
Dec 19 @ 3PM | Kwanzaa • conversations • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120

 

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Virtual Kwanzaa Movement Classes
Dec 19 @ 5PM | Kwanzaa • learn something • online festival
RSVP https://njpac.tfaforms.net/120

 

Kuumba (Creativity)
Step Afrika
Dec 19 on-demand | dance • learn something • online festival
On- Demand at Njpac.org

 




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Imani (Faith)

Virtual Arts & Crafts
Dec 19 on-demand | creativity • learn something • online festival

On-demand at Njpac.org

 

Artisan Marketplace
Nov 18 - Dec 31
NJPAC’s annual community marketplace is now online! It’s one-stop shopping for all your holiday needs—and don’t forget to pick out something for yourself.
Learn More: Virtual Kwanzaa Festival - NJPAC


New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey. It is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted nearly 10 million visitors (including over 1.7 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.



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EVENT PREVIEWS

(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Freakin Rican presents Arte de Nuestra Isla: Series Two, the second installment of its cultural art exhibition celebrating Puerto Rican artists, storytelling, and community connection. The event takes place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at The Freakin Rican (468 Cedar Lane) in Teaneck.
Wise Animal Rescue to Host "Barknic" on August 8th

Wise Animal Rescue to Host "Barknic" on August 8th

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Wise Animal Rescue presents Barknic, its biggest fundraising event of the year, on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Lackawanna Station in Montclair. Perfect for both pets and their humans, Barknic is an indoor, family-friendly, and animal-friendly celebration that brings together the NJ community for an afternoon of fun while supporting a meaningful cause. Guests can enjoy local vendors, music, interactive activities for dogs and their humans, unique photo opportunities, and the chance to meet adoptable pets from local rescue organizations.
Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

Create Spectacular Giant Puppets and More for the Illumination 250 Parade, the Largest Public Art Experience in Bergen County

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites the public to participate in the special 'Giant Puppets Workshop Series' led by artists from the internationally acclaimed Processional Arts. The puppets created in the workshop series from August 14 through August 19, 2026 will be featured in a giant puppet parade marching down Main Street in Hackensack during Illumination 250, an all-day arts festival taking place on October 3rd to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

"Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy" to Celebrate Faith, History, Art, and Community

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The public is invited to attend "Allen AME: Our Stories, Our Space, Our Legacy," a free special program honoring the enduring history and cultural significance of the former Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape May. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the historic Allen AME Church (717 Franklin Street) in Cape May.
Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

Nearly One-Third of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Lives at Cannonball This September

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Nearly one-third of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival comes to life at Cannonball Festival this September, as more than 100 artists present bold new work across five stages in a nonstop celebration of fearless live performance. Celebrating its sixth year, Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection.

 

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