25th Anniversary of Central Florida's Kwanzaa Celebrations

Honoring Our Legacy, Inspiring the Future

Habari Gani!

Join us on December 26, 2023, from 5 PM to 9 PM at the Winter Park Community Center for a vibrant celebration of Umoja (Unity) as we mark 25 years of Kwanzaa in Winter Park to Daytona Beach and 36 years of Kwanzaa in Central Florida. Presented by The Equity Council Corp and the City of Winter Park's Parks and Recreation Department, this milestone event celebrates our rich history and bright future.

Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a cultural holiday celebrating African heritage, unity, and the seven guiding principles known as Nguzo Saba (En-goo-zoh-Sah-Bah):

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

Rooted in African traditions, Kwanzaa is celebrated by Africans on the continent and throughout the Diaspora, promoting values that strengthen community and cultural identity.

The story of Kwanzaa in Central Florida began in 1988, led by the visionary Queen Mother Dr. Nina White (formerly Dr. Nina Fraiser). Through individual events and symposiums at homes, community centers, schools, and universities, she fostered a deep appreciation for African culture and introduced many to the transformative power of the Nguzo Saba.

In 1999, this legacy expanded when Queen Mother Tanita Fadyeyola, founder of First World Drummers and Dancers, and Queen Mother Olabisi Olakolade, founder of Pankwasum, united to host the first Community-Wide Kwanzaa Celebration in Hannibal Square, Winter Park, FL. This annual tradition quickly grew to include neighboring African American communities, including Eatonville, Parramore, Tangelo Park, Sanford, and Daytona Beach.

This year, we honor 36 years of Kwanzaa in Central Florida and proudly celebrate 25 years in Winter Park and Daytona Beach—a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, tradition, and cultural pride that binds our communities together.

• Experience the principle of Umoja (Unity) through:
• Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light the Kinara’s first candle, the Black Candle, symbolizing unity.
• SOKO Marketplace: Support Black-owned businesses.
• Delicious Food: Enjoy a festive community dinner with $10.00 Kwanzaa Dinner Plates.

Performances:

• Drumming by Tam Tam Alifa African Drummers
• Dance by Winter Park's Kwanzaa Community Dancers, choreographed by Tanita Fadyeyola
• Musical showcase featuring Tamika Love Jones in a fundraising performance for Creative Global Schools.
• and more...

We celebrate these esteemed individuals for their invaluable contributions to our culture and community:

• Baba Kenneth Abu Baxter
• Pam Bussey, Esq.
• B.J. Ezell
• Dr. Nina Fraiser
• Baba Lawrence Latyr Green
• Mama Tanita Fadyeyola
• Mama Olabisi Olakolade
• Baba John Silky Robinson
• Baba Adib Salaam
• Baba Fere Sean

• Date: December 26, 2023
• Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
• Location: Winter Park Community Center
• Tickets: Available online or at the event (advance purchases recommended). Proceeds benefit The Equity Council Corp.

For vendors interested in participating in the SOKO Marketplace, secure your space here:
[https://www.equitycouncilcorp.org/event-details/day-1-central-florida-kwanzaa-celebration-of-umoja-at-the-winter-park-community-center-2 ] Use Coupon Code: KWANZAA25 (Untill November 30th, 2024 for $10.00 off vending in honor this special occassion).

For more details, visit .

Join us as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future. We can’t wait to see you there!

Habari Gani!

Umoja

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Winter Park Community Center, 721 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, United States