Celebrating the African diaspora through martial art disguised as dance, along with music and the traditional pouring of libations, will be the highlight at this year’s Kwanzaa program on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center.
Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian style of martial arts that is disguised as a dance and performed to traditional Brazilian songs, will be demonstrated by Macaco Nova Yolk and Reggie “Saçi” Harrison. Other performers during Kwanzaa will include drummer Granville “Buster” Braxton and multi-instrumentalist Horace Scruggs and the Soul Anthology band.
Leslie Scott-Jones, programming director for the Heritage Center, believes that this year’s focus on the African diaspora during Kwanzaa, an African American holiday that is celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, will give attendees a deeper understanding of Black culture.
Created in 1966 by activist and scholar Maulana Karenga, Ph.D., the Kwanzaa holiday is structured around seven core communitarian African values that are directed toward reinforcing family, community and culture through honoring seven principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
“So by bringing in more pieces of the diaspora, we are inviting people to realize, to engage with and to understand that Blackness is not a monolith, and African-ness isn’t either,” said Scott-Jones.
The Heritage Center has celebrated Kwanzaa for at least 10 years, said Scott-Jones. This year’s programming also will feature six Black-owned businesses, she said, along with arts, crafts and a cookie decorating table for children.
Take Action
The Jefferson School for African American Heritage will host its annual Kwanzaa celebration this Saturday, Dec. 14. The celebration is free and will take place from 4-7 p.m. at the Heritage Center, which is located at 233 4th St. N.W. in Charlottesville. Click here for more information.
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