Kwanzaa at the Gantt 2024: Ujima

Ujima means "collective work and responsibility" in Swahili, and is the third principle of Kwanzaa. Our 2025 celebration centers on community interdependence through dance, hands-on art, and discussion. Special partnership organizations will be present to inform guests about the traditions of the Kwanzaa holiday. All are welcome to celebrate with us.

Program Schedule

Dance with the Gantt: Afrobeats + Sacred Dundun Dance
11 am - 1:45 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

Enjoy Dance with the Gantt: Afrobeats, where participants learn to groove to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats music, a genre originating from West Africa. Led by Javonne Gbenyon-Spearman, this class blends cultural expression, dynamic music, fitness, and fun.

Keep it moving with the Dance with the Gantt: Sacred Dundun workshop, created and led by internationally trained dancer and instructor Amina Heckstall-Soumah, for a fun, energetic, and spiritually uplifting experience for all ages and experience levels.

Kwanzaa Table with Kwanzaa Charlotte
12 noon - 2 pm (Performance Suite, 2nd Floor)

Do you know all of the elements and intentions of the traditional Kwanzaa table? Learn about the foundation and traditions of Kwanzaa with the premier Kwanzaa event organization in the city, Kwanzaa Charlotte. The drop-in informational will also include visuals related to the African diaspora and the Kwanzaa holiday.

Rhythms of Resilience
12 noon - 2 pm (MODA Digital Arts Studio)

Explore themes of hope, pride, unity, and resilience through iconic songs that have shaped Black history and culture in our digital arts studio.

Roots in Reflection: A Legacy Experience
1 pm - 3 pm (4th Floor)

Celebrate Kwanzaa with an interactive, drop-in experience honoring heritage, legacy, and reflection. Guests are invited to engage in hands-on activities inspired by the cultural significance of home:

• Build a personal family photo wall at The Living Room.
• Reflect on food memories and share recipes at The Kitchen Table.
• Plant a symbol of personal growth at The Backyard.
• Explore the winter publication release Preserving Legacy at The Library/Study and more.

Join us for this immersive celebration of culture and community, presented by media group Melanotion.

Joe Turner's Come and Gone: Interactive Performance
2:30 pm - 4 pm (2nd Floor Lobby)

Explore August Wilson's masterful comedic drama through a performance of select scenes, a community talkback, and other special interactive elements. Curated by Jermaine Nakia Lee and Rory D. Sheriff.