Kwanzaa at The Wright

01 / The story of this place

Make time for these

Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural celebration running December 26 to January 1, each day devoted to one of the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. In Detroit its home base is the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, with daily candle lightings, libations, African drum and dance, youth showcases and poetry, plus a marketplace of Black-owned businesses. The museum plans it with community partners every year; in 2025 they included the Shrine of the Black Madonna, UNIA and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. Day one kicks off downtown with the lighting of the giant kinara at Campus Martius, and in 2025 the last three days moved up Woodward to the Mama Imani Humphrey Banquet Hall.

1. Nightly candle lightings for the seven principles
2. African drum and dance performances and poetry
3. A marketplace of Black-owned businesses
4. The giant Motor City Kinara lit at Campus Martius on Dec. 26
5. Daytime family and youth activities