25th Anniversary of Central Florida’s Kwanzaa Celebrations – Winter Park, FL

Day 1 Central Florida Kwanzaa Celebration of Umoja

Honoring Our Legacy, Inspiring the Future

Habari Gani!

Join us on December 26, 2024, 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.

What is Kwanzaa?

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.

Our Legacy

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.

Event Highlights

• 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.
• Central Florida Artist DellShavon
• Kingston Jamaica’s own Royal Chanta
• and more…

Honoring Our Trailblazing Elders:
We proudly celebrate the contributions of our esteemed Elder Keepers of Culture who started our first initial community Kwanzaa event, including:

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

Event Details

• Date: December 26, 2024
• 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:
Click here to purchase vendor space. [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 www.equitycouncilcorp.org.

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