Celebrating Kwanzaa’s first day in metro Atlanta with emphasis on unity and tradition

In the Black Box Theater of the Arts Xchange, the traditional altar is meticulously arranged, showcasing the symbolic elements of Kwanzaa.

EAST POINT, Ga. — Tuesday marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration of African American culture and history, and across metro Atlanta– celebrating is in full swing.

In the Black Box Theater of the Arts Xchange, the traditional altar is meticulously arranged, showcasing the symbolic elements of Kwanzaa. Kenneth Zakee, an organizer for the event, emphasizes the importance of the first principle, Umoja, meaning unity.

The traditional altar, adorned with the “Kinara” candle holder and the “Ziwadee” gifts, symbolizes the past’s treasures and the hope for a culturally rich future.

“Kwanzaa means, to me, a celebration of family and community, history and nation. That’s what it means to me,” Zakee explained, surrounded by the rhythmic beats of drums and the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration.

Zakee, though no longer at the helm of the organization, remains actively involved, underscoring the significance of bringing diverse communities together.

“It was just beautiful to be around my community and see so many people of different religious persuasions in the same room celebrating what we have in common, our culture,” Zakee reflected. 

Zakee expressed the heightened importance of this year’s celebration, aiming for its impact to extend beyond the boundaries of the immediate community.

“Every human being can draw something from them. You can draw some form of unity, self-determination, collective work, responsibility, cooperative economics, having a purpose, being creative, having faith,” Zakee said.

As the first night of Kwanzaa celebrations unfolds in East Point, the Arts Xchange serves as a fitting venue, having been a space for Black artists for 40 years.

“Those seven to seven principles of Kwanzaa are something we’ve always practiced here. It’s just that Doctor Karanga put a name on them,” Zakee said, emphasizing the enduring presence of Kwanzaa’s principles at the Arts Xchange.

“I hope that the younger people, the upcoming generations, will take away confidence, inspiration, and a sense of their beauty, the beauty of their culture in history,” he added. 

Throughout the week, various Kwanzaa events centered around each of the seven principles are scheduled to take place in metro Atlanta. The celebrations aim to foster unity, self-determination, collective work, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith within the community.

You can find more information about the week’s events online here.