VI Kwanzaa Season 2022

It’s that time of year when so many have reasons to celebrate and spend quality time with family, friends and community. The Virgin Islands Kwanzaa season is a time and place of refuge for many African Caribbean and African American people as we remember those who have transitioned and enjoy the company of those still present, as well as those to come.

This year we remember Baba Uhuru Ridges, Vincent Henley and many others whose names will be added that transitioned since January. Aggregated annually, I make the V.I. Kwanzaa 2022-23 schedule available to help spread the word.

While this live blog will be updated until after the season ends, the VI Kwanzaa 2022-23 Kalendar is available annually on https://kwanzaa365.org/kalendar

Pre-Kwanzaa activities included various radio programs and a “Kwanzaa Eve Walk & Wuk” on Sunday from 6 a.m. down the Charlotte Amalie promenade with Chinwe Osaze, from the bus stop across from the Fort Christian parking lot near the Capitol Building/Legislature and ended at the Emancipation Garden in time to catch some of the annual Christmas caroling.

On the first day of Kwanzaa, Monday, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market, the African Diaspora Youth Development Foundation, Inc. and We Grow Food, Inc. held a formal Umoja (Unity) program that included libation and ancestral roll call, drumming, dancing, the farmer’s report from We Grow Food, Inc. President Elridge Thomas, youth reports by Isis Collier and Majestik Estrada-Petersen, and the Community Ankh Award given to Elder Angelina Jennings.

After musical interludes from the Echo People drummers Isis and Majestik, there was modeling of African clothing from Victorious African Store Plus before the event ended with a vegan meal sponsored by Ras Nashamba-I. The program continued throughout the evening with music by DJ Alpha and the African Marketplace, which allowed for the selling of cultural and African-centered items.

A Celebration of Life booklet/ceremony preparation (a continuation of last year’s event) took place where people started creating a written plan for their desired celebration of life for themselves or a loved one. They drafted an outline/vision for their booklet and other parts of the ceremony, including the colors, imagery, music, aromatic preferences (oils, incense, sage, etc.), foods/drinks, fabric, urn or casket type.

Different examples and suggestions were provided by participants regarding what they chose and why. They also added everything from who they would prefer and which funeral home, if any, to who would be officiating, to booklet designing/printing and a final resting place or locations/ideas for dissemination of ashes.

Participants were encouraged to bring funeral booklet examples, something to take notes, a financial appreciation offering and vegan refreshments for a mid-afternoon potluck.


VI Kwanzaa 2022-23 Kalendar
Friday, December 23 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Pan African Support Group Kwanzaa Radio Program on WSTA 1340 AM

Euell, Chinwe, DaraMonifah® and Majestik after the KwanzaaEve Walk & Wuk (Photo by Ayesha Morris)

Sunday, December 25 from 6:00 a.m.
“Kwanzaa Eve Walk & Wuk” down the Charlotte Amalie promenade with Chinwe Osaze from the bus stop across from the Fort Christian parking lot near the Capitol Building/Legislature. Ends at Emancipation Garden.

Isis Collier and Majestik Estrada-Petersen giving the Youth report during the first day of Kwanzaa

Umoja (Unity)
Monday, December 26 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Bordeaux Farmers’ Market 
African Diaspora Youth Development Foundation, Inc. and We Grow Food, Inc.
Formal program and Ras Nashamba-I Ital lunch, elder report, farmer report, youth reports, Community Ankh Award Program continues throughout the evening with music and the African Marketplace

Brother Osuji Obayemi, and Akinyemi during the HARAMBEEs at The Pressure Spot for the 2nd day of Kwanzaa

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Tuesday, December 27 from 7:00 p.m. –  9:00 p.m. at Arian’s Bar and Restaurant
Pan African Support Group Kwanzaa Celebration

Participants working on their celebration of life wish list (Photo by Ayesha Morris)

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Wednesday, December 28 from 4:30 p.m.
Center for Sacred Dialogue, top of 2nd street in Sugar Estate across from Charlotte Amalie High School
Celebration of Life booklet/ceremony preparation (continuation of last year’s event) where people can start creating a written plan for their desired celebration of life for themselves or a loved one. They can also create an outline/vision board for their booklet and other parts of the ceremony including the colors, imagery, music, aromatic preferences (oils, incense, sage, etc.), foods/drinks, fabric, urn or casket type etc. Different examples and suggestions will be provided, including any that are brought by participants so that others can add ideas to their list then return to the circle and share them over food to share what all they chose and why. They would also add who they would prefer to do what from which funeral home, if any, who would be officiating to booklet designing/printing and final resting place or locations/ideas for dissemination of ashes.
Participants were encouraged to bring funeral booklet examples, something to take their notes was provided, and vegan refreshments for a mid-afternoon potluck.

Benita & Lukata – this year’s new Black Owned business people

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Thursday, December 29 No specific community location/time.
Supporting new African Caribbean business(es), this year Captain Lukata and Chef Benita of BOKETTO sailing catamaran are the highlights. According to the PY Clearing website, “Benita and Lukata offer a wide range of activities from farm tours, historic hikes to meeting with local musicians and artists as well as memorable experiences off land for all their guests to take as intangible souvenirs. With their Caribbean essence, Lukata and Benita indulge their guests in a behind the scene experience of culture, food, fun and the true “island life”.”
Donations can be sent directly to them. Call/Text: 340-643-4867

Nia (Purpose)
Friday, December 30 No specific community location/time.
Self-gratitude: Community is encouraged to focus on individual self-purpose, talents, and role in the family/community. Also, time can be used to prepare to share what/who they are grateful for during the gratitude circle time on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Brewers Beach.

Kuumba (Creativity)
Saturday, December 31 from 6:30 a.m. then again from 5:30 p.m.
Sunrise/Sunset Yoga on Brewers
Ital Ase Botanica & Wedding Services (Blake Family)

Imani (Faith)
Sunday, January 1, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. ceremony until sunset
Potluck on Brewers & Sunset Sail* (tentative based on availability)
Gratitude Circle: Participants should prepare to share what/who they are grateful for. “I am grateful for… (people, persons, organizations, businesses, things, etc.) because (it affects me however).”
Organizers include the Pan African Support Group, We Grow Food, Inc., Conch Shell Media, LLC, and other individuals. Based on Ujima (collective work and responsibility), everyone will donate and bring ital dishes, drinks, and desserts for the karamu (feast). In addition, tables, canopies, Kwanzaa symbols, and drums are useful for the gathering. Bring your own folding chairs.
Special thanks to community supporters including The Art Exchange, The Echo People and many others who will be added.

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