Celebrate Kwanzaa at LICM! Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage. Join the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to learn about the rich traditions and meaning behind Kwanzaa while you create festive symbols of this holiday.
This is a drop-in program, free with admission. Stop by anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. to participate!
Mkeka
A mkeka is the traditional woven straw mat used on the table during Kwanzaa. The kinara is placed on top of the mkeka and is surrounded by other symbols of the seven principles. Weave your own mkeka for your family’s Kwanzaa celebration.
Ear of Corn
During Kwanzaa, one (vibunzi) or multiple (muhindi) ears of corn are placed on the mkeka under the kinara for each child in the family and represent the future. Even if there are no children in the home, two ears are still set out on the mkeka in the belief that each person is responsible for the children of the community. The Nigerian proverb “It takes a whole village to raise a child a child” is realized in this symbol. Create beaded ears of corn to represent your family.