Free Gifts, Food At Harlem Kwanzaa Celebration This Weekend

HARLEM, NY — Light a kinara and get in the holiday spirit with the community at Harlem's third-annual Kwanzaa party complete with a gift giveaway for children on Saturday.

The annual party, hosted by Harlem State Senator Cordell Cleare at the Children's Aid-Dunlevy Milbank Center, features a candle-lighting ceremony, music and creative activities for children, with free toys and food to be shared.

The free family-friendly event falls on Ujima, the third day of Kwanzaa, which is dedicated to collective work and responsibility.

“This gathering aims to uplift our youth while honoring our cultural heritage, which instills the concepts of collective work and responsibility in the children," Cleare said. "I always enjoy meeting with the community as we promote the Nguzo Saba-Kwanzaa principles such as self-determination and perseverance."

The party is big group effort from community nonprofit organizations including Children's Aid, Art in the Park, Street Corner Resources, Crusaders, Harlem Inc., and Harlem Honors, in addition to local restaurant Panda Harlem, as well as the Second Corinthian Baptist Church, and the Michelle Obama Community Democratic Club.

In addition to the whole Harlem community, several government officials are invited to attend, including Mayor Eric Adams, Harlem Councilmember Yusef Salaam, Attorney General Letitia James, and District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

"During Kwanzaa, we reflect on how the community succeeds when we overcome the barriers and obstacles we have cleared. We show our young people how to be resilient, have faith in themselves, and carry forward the legacy of their cultural heritage,” Cleare said.

The party will be on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 3 p.m. at 14-32 W 118th St. in Harlem.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.