Kwanzaa at the Gantt 2025: Kujichagulia at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture – Charlotte, NC

Celebrate Kwanzaa and the principle of Kujichagulia (self-determination), which means “to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.” This family-friendly event features a holiday marketplace showcasing local entrepreneurs and small businesses, a Kwanzaa table presentation by Kwanzaa Charlotte to explore the holiday’s history and traditions, and plenty of fun activities including arts & crafts, family photos, and live music throughout the day. Join us for a vibrant celebration that honors culture and the joyful spirit of the holiday season!

Program Schedule (subject to change):

Local Baked Goods

12pm – 4pm (1st Floor Museum Store)

Enjoy samples from local shops including Sweet Imalda’s Vegan Bakery and Biscuits N Thangs while browsing the merchandise selection in our Museum Store. Guests are encouraged to make their way up to the 3rd floor to see the rest of the vendors for the day.

Kwanzaa Table with Kwanzaa Charlotte

12pm – 2pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)

Learn more about the holiday’s history along with elements of a traditional Kwanzaa table during this informative presentation by Deep Roots CPS Farm. *ASL interpretation will be available during this activation.

Kwanzaa Family Photos

12pm – 2pm (MODA Digital Arts Studio)

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Kwanzaa with a heartwarming family portrait that captures the essence of this joyous holiday. Our Kwanzaa Family Portraits are a beautiful way to commemorate the celebration.

SHAE Movement Performance

12:30pm – 2pm (2nd Floor Grand Lobby)

Join us in an electrifying performance featuring an ensemble of both drummers and dancers by SHAE Movement African Arts – whose mission is to Share the Heart of Africa with Everyone!

Holiday Marketplace

12pm – 4pm (3rd Floor Mezzanine)

Support local business owners who exemplify the principle of self-determination in their work every day. Shop a variety of items including apparel, matcha, hot chocolate, candles, skincare, & more!

Our 2025 vendors include: Kkunda, Happy Scents, Archive CLT, The House of Sufyan, and In Due Time.

Kwanzaa Drop-In Crafts

12pm – 4pm (4th Floor)

Come up to the 4th floor for a fun break filled with Kwanzaa themed craft activities. Guests will be able to make beaded bracelets and enjoy our selection of coloring sheets, all in traditional Kwanzaa colors.

Jermaine Nakia Lee Presents From Tryon St. to Broadway

2:30pm – 4pm (2nd Floor Grand Lobby)

In the spirit of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), From Tryon St. to Broadway highlights Black Broadway musicals, showcasing a legacy of artistic excellence despite generations of marginalization and honoring the self-determination of two local playwrights with BIG Broadway dreams – Jermaine Nakia Lee and Rory D. Sheriff.