Kwanzaa Celebration at the Center

Happy Kwanzaa, from Craft in America!

In preparation for the start of the season, the Craft in America Center hosted a Kwanzaa Celebration last Saturday. It was a chance to gather and learn from each other as we discussed the tenets of this important holiday!

Led and organized by Marchelle Bailey Barnes, participants dressed the Kwanzaa Table and discussed the significance of the kinara. The Craft in America kinara was featured in our CELEBRATION episode and created by artist Babatunde Graves. Milliner Yvonne Lewis, LA’s Hatzy Lady, presented two kufis, traditional hats created for this Kwanzaa celebration. Poetry and drumming added to the festive atmosphere as we reflected on the legacy of this great African American tradition!

Marchelle Bailey Barnes leads the group as she explains the history and significance of Kwanzaa.
Marchelle Bailey Barnes leads the group as she explains the history and significance of Kwanzaa.
Spoken word poets share there creativity on the Center's window stage.
Spoken word poets share there creativity on the Center’s window stage.
Drummers teach the group call and response songs from Senegal.
Drummers teach the group call and response songs from Senegal.
The group gets lively during an impromptu dance lesson.
The ceremony started with traditional drumming.
The ceremony started with traditional drumming.
The Kwanzaa table is set at the Craft in America Center. On both ends of the table sit traditional hats created by LA's Hatzy Lady, Yvonne Lewis.
The Kwanzaa table is set at the Craft in America Center. On both ends of the table sit traditional hats created by LA’s Hatzy Lady, Yvonne Lewis.