African Burial Ground National Monument Celebrates Kwanzaa, 12/30

By: Kelsey Denette Dec. 18, 2011

Kwanzaa is a week-long African American holiday observed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, which focuses on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self improvement. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase, "matunda ya kwana" which means, "first fruits" in Swahili. On Friday, Dec. 30, African Burial Ground National Monument will celebrate Kwanzaa and would like you to join us.

Celebrating Kwanzaa

Enjoy family-friendly activities as the African Burial Ground National
Monument observes the principles of Kwanzaa and shares the history
of the burial ground.

10:30AM: African Spiritual Beading with Vickie Fremont. Learn how to make
necklaces and memory bracelets made with traditional African beads.

11AM-12:10PM Film: "The Black Candle". This award-winning documentary film
explored the meaning and history of Kwanzaa
(1 hr 10 minutes)

12:30PM: History of Kwanzaa Workshop (30 minutes)

1PM: "The Black Nutcracker" by Uptown Dance Academy

2:30PM: Traditional African Wire Doll Making by Ivelisse Pabon de Landron.
Learn about the island of Puerto Rico and its Black traditional doll making
craft.

3PM: Ranger-led tour of African Burial Ground National Monument

3:30PM: African Naming Ceremony led by Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely

All events and activities are free and open to the public, but reservations
are required. To RSVP call (212) 637-2019.

Plan Your Visit

African Burial Ground National Monument Visitor Center is open Tuesday
through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm and closed all Federal holidays. The
memorial is open seven days a week, 9 am to 4 pm and closed on New Year's
Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Kwanzaacelebration will take
place at the African Burial Ground National Monument, located on the first
floor of the Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway in Lower Manhattan,
close to Foley Square and just north of City Hall. Upon entering the
building, members of the public will have to go through security screening.

All events are free & open to the public, however, space is limited &
reservations are required. To RSVP, please call (212) 637-2019.
For more information: (212) 637-2019 www.nps.gov/afbg
www.twitter.com/AFBurialGrndNPS

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