Learn the true meaning of kinship by joining the AAHCMSJV for seven days of Kwanzaa

By AAHCMSJV

The African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley (AAHCMSJV) invites the public to celebrate Kwanzaa starting December 26 thru. Jan. 1. The week-long celebration of African-American heritage and culture through family and community festivities begins the day after Christmas on that Sunday. Doors open at 6 PM Dec. 26-30, 12 PM Dec. 31, and 2 PM Jan. 1. You can also watch online on our Facebook page here.

The seven Kwanzaa principles include – Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani. And in the spirit of the season, we reflect on the blessings of the past year and commit to building a brighter future for all our children.

Events will be held in the museum's main gallery, located at 1857 Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93721. Children are definitely welcome, as there are also separate activities for them on some of the days. Please note that masks will be required to enter the facility, abiding by California's indoor mask mandate.

Here is the speaker line-up followed by community discussion (click on each drop-down to see the speaker for each day):

Sunday, December 26

Umoja (Unity) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Speaker: Board Representatives

Monday, December 27

Kujichgulia (Self-determination) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Speaker: Chris Finley, Educator

Tuesday, December 28

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Speaker: Golden Westside Planning Committee, Debbie Darden

Wednesday, December 29

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Speaker: Realtist of Fresno County Rep., Mitchell Shaw

Thursday, December 30

Nia (Purpose) 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Speaker: The Honorable Kimberly Tapscott Munson

Friday, December 31

Kuumba (Creativity) 12:00 p.m. p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Open Mic Night hosted by Jamillah Finley & BreakBox Thought Collective

Saturday, January 1

Imani (Faith) 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Speaker: Community Voices

On Kuumba day, the community is welcome to celebrate with food and the open mic hosted by Jamillah Finley & BreakBox Thought Collective.

Non-food vendors are welcome on the day of Kuumba for a $10.00 booth donation which must be paid in advance or online, (must bring own small table and chair.) Doors open for vendors at 11:00 AM; please have booths ready by 11:30 AM on Kuumba day; due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no vendor entries after 11:30 AM for setting up. The AAHCMSJV is only allowing vendors on Friday, Dec. 31.