Kwanzaa 2015: Energize, Recognize! At The American Museum of Natural History.
Dubbed the “World’s Greatest Entertainer” and “the human beat box” for his unrivaled ability to rock a crowd, Harlem native Doug E. Fresh, with reggae rapper Vicious, DJs Barry B, and Will Chill, rings in the new year at the Museum’s 37th annual Kwanzaa spectacular.
Artistic Director of Yaffa Cultural Arts Linda Humes guides visitors through a joyous holiday that celebrates the African roots of the African-American community, drawing on seven universal principles of Kwanzaa. The program will begin with a performance of “Spirit of Resistance,” a new piece created by the Harlem School of the Arts Legacy Ensemble. The performance highlights West African dancing and drumming traditions and celebrates the wisdom of those who have come before us as well as the survival and victory over the tragic forces of slavery.
Wrapping up the festival award-winning filmmaker MK Asante will introduce his landmark movie, ‘The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration’ in Kaufmann Theater followed by a musical tribute to the film’s narrator, Dr. Maya Angelou. Q&A to follow with Asante and Jamilah Lemieux, senior editor of EBONY magazine.
The Kwanzaa Festival takes place on Sunday, December 27 in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life and Kaufmann Theater at The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street. Performances at noon and 3pm. The Kwanzaa Marketplace is from noon – 4pm, with ‘The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration’ screening at 4:30pm.
For more information about the Kwanzaa Festival and ticket purchases, visit AMNH.
