Hale Black Cultural Center’s 38th annual Pre-Kwanzaa

Pre-Kwanzaa 2024 will feature: 

• Kinara Lighting Ceremony
• African American Voices Gospel Choir Performance
• Keynote by Dr. Ange-Marie Hancock 
• Artist Spotlight for current Hale Center Exhibit: Richard “Duarte” Brown 
• Libation Ceremony
• Karamu catered by Soul 2 Go  
• Thiossane West African Dance Performance

This event is open to all university faculty, staff, and students.

Register for Pre-Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Karenga formulated a culmination of harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and Zulu African tribes, to form the foundation of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a derivative of the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which translates to “first fruits” in Swahili. Kwanzaa celebrations occur in a plethora of ways, and often include elements of song and dance, African drums, storytelling, and a large traditional meal called a Karamu.