How to celebrate Kwanzaa in Alabama

Holiday season is upon us – families are gathering, gifts are being wrapped, menorahs are being lit and ornaments hung. December is full of holidays and reasons to gather, and Kwanzaa is another great one to celebrate.

Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday encouraging the celebration of Black culture, family and community. Since 1966, many Black people in America have observed this period of honoring:

• the African American people
• their struggles in the United States
• their heritage + culture

From Dec. 26th until Jan. 1, family and friends will gather to celebrate. Similar to other holidays in December, the celebrations focus on values such as unity and creativity. It was established as a national holiday by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an activist, author + professor born in Maryland.

The term Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili, a language born in Africa. The holiday honors seven principles:

• Unity
• Self-determination
• Collective work + responsibility
• Cooperative economics
• Purpose
• Creativity
• Faith

Ways to Celebrate Kwanzaa in Alabama

Birmingham

• Kwanzaa Celebration 2025 – Umoja
  • December 26 | 6-8PM
  • Boutwell Auditorium | 1930 Abraham Woods Drive, Birmingham, AL
  • Hosted by Clarence Muhammad | Probate Judge Yashiba Red Blanchard, Circuit Civil Judge Fred Bolling and Dr. Willie Goldsmith will be speaking
• Panel discussion followed by a children’s event – Kujichagulia
  • December 27 | 1-3PM, 2:30-4:30PM
  • First Baptist Church of Ensley | 1508 19th Street, Ensley, Birmingham, AL
• Ujima Celebration
  • December 28 | 2:30PM
  • 1030 4th Terrace West, Birmingham, AL
• Ujamaa Community Feast
  • December 29 | 6-8PM
  • 1158 5th Avenue N, Birmingham, AL
• Day of Healing Party – Nia
  • December 30 | 6-8PM
  • 830 22nd Street North, Bessemer, AL
• Potluck feast – Kuumba
  • December 31 | 6PM
  • First Baptist Church of Ensley | 1508 19th Street, Ensley, Birmingham, AL
• Muhummad Mosque 69 Day Party – Imani
  • January 1 | Noon-4PM
  • 521 Tuscaloosa Avenue, Birmingham, AL

Montgomery

• Community Kwanzaa Celebration
  • December 26 | 7-9PM
  • 432 Goldthwaite Street, Montgomery, AL
• Ujima Kwanzaa Family Program
  • December 28 | 1-3PM
  • Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts | 1 Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL
• Kwanzaa Celebration
  • December 28 | 1-3PM
  • Montgomery Interpretive Center | 1521 Harris Way, Montgomery, AL

Do you know of any more Kwanzaa events happening in Birmingham? Tag us @TheBamaBuzz on socials and let us know.