CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11) — Families across New York City are coming together this week to celebrate Kwanzaa and its rich cultural traditions.
At the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights, the five-day “Celebrate Kwanzaa” festival is helping children connect with their heritage through art, music, and community.
The sound of drums filled the museum on Friday morning, marking the first day of the annual festival. In one room, children shaped clay and painted Unity Cups, a symbol of togetherness at the heart of the holiday. Among them was young Zahir, crafting beside his mother, DeJeanne Washington.
“So we decided to come out today because we do a monthly Jack and Jill activity, and we figured that Kwanzaa was one of the best things to showcase our African American and Black pride,” said Washington.
Now in its 18th year, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s “Celebrate Kwanzaa” event highlights the seven principles of the holiday through dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops.
“At Brooklyn Children’s Museum, we really believe in the diversity in our communities in Brooklyn and creating a space where people see themselves and where people feel welcome celebrating their traditions,” said Dylan House, Director of Public Programs.
The Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation led Afrobeat workshops and drumming circles that had kids moving, smiling, and learning.
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“Kwanzaa is all about bringing communities together,” said Zakiya Harris, Artistic Director with Asase Yaa. “It’s very important because Kwanzaa has been celebrated since the 1960s, but when we don’t continue to share that with young people, certain traditions get lost.”
For many families, those lessons are exactly why the festival matters.
“I just wanted to pass those traditions and our culture onto our kids,” said Washington.
The “Celebrate Kwanzaa” festival runs through December 30 during museum hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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