Fort Lauderdale, FL|Featured Event
“Africa Rising,” a Kwanzaa Community Celebration of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Event Details
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center Hosts “Africa Rising,” a Kwanzaa Community Celebration of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Community Event to Celebrate Heritage, Wellness, and Black Cultural Excellence
Broward’s African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) proudly announces the 2025 Kwanzaa Community Celebration, “Africa Rising: Celebrating Heritage, Building Futures.” The annual cultural event will take place on Saturday, December 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at AARLCC, located at 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. The event is free and open to the public, with registration available at no cost at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kwanzaa-community-celebration-kujichagulia-self-determination-tickets-1761885851009. This celebration is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and sponsors, including Wayne and Lucretia Weiner and the Friends of AARLCC.
This year’s celebration emphasizes Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), the second principle, encouraging individuals and families to define, create, and speak for themselves while honoring African and African diasporic cultural traditions.
“Kujichagulia celebrates the power of naming ourselves, telling our own stories, and shaping our collective future,” said Dr. Tameka Hobbs, historian and AARLCC Library Manager. “This celebration welcomes everyone—whether you’ve honored Kwanzaa for years or are discovering it for the first time.”
The day begins with cultural and wellness activities—such as Kemetic Yoga and West African dance—that encourage grounding, healing, and self-awareness through movement.
Guests can take part in a range of interactive workshops and community discussions throughout the afternoon, including Kwanzaa 101, Investing in Today’s Africa, Community and Reparations, Food as Medicine with a live cooking demonstration, and Mental Health and Healing Beyond Survival.
The Youth & Family Zone will provide activities for all ages, including storytelling, creative arts, coding, gardening, and hands-on cultural workshops.
The event ends with the lively Kwanzaa Marketplace, showcasing Black-owned vendors, artisans, creators, and food trucks that celebrate Black entrepreneurship and creativity.
Kwanzaa has always been a time to reflect and celebrate how we connect to the Nguzo Saba (7 Principles) in community. Sometimes it's hard for us to realize how much we live these principles throughout the year. This year, we have the chance to honor those who embody these principles in their work in our community through the Nguzo Saba Awards. It’s an opportunity to recognize our leaders and celebrate them while they are still here. "-Nzingah Oniwosan, Haitian-American holistic health consultant & Founder of Yes Baby I like it Raw.
Featured Workshops & Cultural Sessions
Participants can experience:
- Storytelling with Baba Lyons, exploring African oral traditions.
- Earth Bow instrument making with Baba Eddie Lyons, rooted in African musical design.
- Kemetic Yoga with Angel
- West African Dance
- Healthy Eating with EatWell Exchange, a cooking demo showcasing African diaspora cuisines
- Investing & Moving to Africa: Ghana Edition with The Adinkra Group
- Zawadi (Gift) Making Workshop, inspired by the principle of Kuumba (Creativity)
Kwanzaa is more than just a holiday—it’s a living expression of culture, community, and shared growth. The “Africa Rising” celebration offers space to learn, connect, recharge, and collaborate with others. Whether deepening your understanding of Kwanzaa or continuing a yearly tradition, guests will leave feeling inspired and empowered.
About the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC)
The African American Research Library and Cultural Center is one of Broward County’s premier cultural institutions, dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history, culture, and literature. Through dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, cultural events, and community partnerships, AARLCC serves as a vital hub for creativity, learning, and cultural exchange.