Kwanzaa Celebration 2025

About the Kwanzaa Celebration

Our Kwanzaa 2025 theme is Bititi: Resilient, Resplendent, Resourceful.

Bititi is a Swahili word that describes strong women who live with purpose. Inspired by this word, we’re celebrating the spirit of being resilient (bouncing back), resplendent (shining bright), and resourceful (making the most of what you have).

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday based on “first fruits” celebrations that take place in parts of Africa. At the heart of the celebration are Kwanzaa’s Seven Principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

Kwanzaa Celebration schedule

Everyone

All day, throughout the Museum
Enjoy a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum. Pick up a copy at the welcome desks, Sculpture Hall, the Education Center, or the Teen Lounge.
10 am–8 pm, Sculpture Hall
Art making with zawadi, photo booth, DJ, information tables, food and drink available for purchase
10:30–11 am, The Farrell Auditorium
Kickoff and youth performance
11:30 am, Sculpture Hall
Pop-up music and dance performances by Charles “Babatu” Murphy and Gentlemen of Vision
12–2 pm, Morton D. May and Louis D. Beaumont Foundation Gallery 117
Storytelling and kora music with Charles “Babatu” Murphy in connection with the Kwanzaa principle Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
12–2 pm, Gallery 243
Interactive poetry performance and collaboration in connection with the Kwanzaa principle Kuumba (Creativity) with Saint Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson
1 pm, Sculpture Hall
Pop-up music and dance performances with Spirit of Angela
2–4 pm, Morton D. May and Louis D. Beaumont Foundation Gallery 117
Poetry, conversation and sound bowls in connection with the Kwanzaa principle Imani (Faith) with Tracy Stanton
3–5 pm, Gallery 243
Interactive poetry performance and collaboration in connection with the Kwanzaa principle Kuumba (Creativity) with Saint Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson
4–6 pm, Gallery 333
Storytelling and interactive writing in connection with the Kwanzaa principle Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) with Glynis Brooks
6–7 pm, The Farrell Auditorium
Griot Gathering and Dance Performance*
Interactive storytelling performance led by Mama Katambwa and dance/drum performance by Afriky Lolo
*Free tickets required. Limit of six tickets per person. Tickets will be available on-site only at the Museum on December 26 starting at 10 am. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Adults

10 am–8 pm, Education Center
Kwanzaa Lounge with interactive Ujamaa Wall, take-home materials, and more
11 am, Education Center
Light refreshments provided while supplies last
11–11:30 am, Education Center
Storytelling and making memories workshop with Mama Katambwa
3–3:45 pm, Education Center
Kweise Muata Foluke will share brief history of the Kwanzaa celebration and the Karamu Feast. Additionally, the workshop will have a fully arranged Kwanzaa table on display
4:15–4:45 pm, Education Center
Swahili class, led by Elizabeth Kaganda-Jackson, adjunct instructor of Black studies, University of Missouri

Teens

10–7 pm, Student Gallery Teen Lounge
Graffiti wall and games
11 am, Student Gallery Teen Lounge
Light refreshments provided while supplies last
1–6 pm, Student Gallery Teen Lounge
DJ performance with Emcee Dsmoovee and vThom
2–3 pm, Student Gallery Teen Lounge
Delta Gems, Kwanzaa table drop-in activity

Kids

10 am–8 pm, Grigg Gallery
Photo frame decorating
11 am–11:45 am, Grigg Gallery
Kids’ Kwanzaa class with Good Journey Development Foundation
2–2:30 pm, Grigg Gallery
Kids’ Swahili class, led by Elizabeth Kaganda-Jackson, adjunct instructor of Black studies, University of Missouri
4:30–5 pm, Grigg Gallery
Kids’ dance and drum workshop with Spirit of Angela

Presented in partnership with St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This program is supported by The Dana Brown Endowed Fund for Education and Community Programs.