COLUMBUS, Ohio — Kwanzaa 614 will bring artists, educators and community members together in Columbus for a public celebration of African American heritage centered on culture, education and the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong holiday observed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 that highlights values such as unity, self-determination and cooperative economics.
Kenneth Eaddy, a performing artist participating for the second consecutive year, said his work focuses on preserving cultural stories and passing those narratives to future generations.
“I hope that they above all understand that our stories are real. There may be dark points in the story, but that does not have to be all that you take from it,” Eaddy said.
Eaddy noted his performance is intended to inspire families and encourage reflection beyond the event itself.
“Look forward to creativity. Look forward to inspiration. Look forward to storytelling and look forward to having something to bring back to your family to share,” he said.
Lyn Logan-Grimes, an organizer of Kwanzaa 614 at the Ohio History Center, said the event is intentionally structured to be accessible to both longtime observers of Kwanzaa and those learning about the holiday for the first time.
“It allows us to bring together community and really talk about and learn about things that will help propel us forward,” Logan-Grimes said.
She said each activity is tied directly to one of Kwanzaa’s seven principles.
“It touches on a culture that has been misaligned a lot and it also gives people hope. It is a sign of unity,” she said.
Community artist Richard Duarte Brown said the visual elements of the celebration reflect historical meaning and artistic resistance rooted in African and African American experiences.
“A press culture, they use loud, long colors, bright colors to, to ignite freedom, to ignite liberty. Everything and every culture that has had any obstacles has used them so intrinsically as an artist,” Brown said.
Eaddy said he spent the past month preparing for the event, drawing inspiration from fellow artists and planning ways to translate that energy to attendees.
Kwanzaa 614 will be held Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ohio History Center in Columbus. For more information and a full schedule, click here.