Northwest Wayne News

The 2nd Annual Lighting of the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is set to take place on December 26 at Cadillac Square, with the program starting at 3 p.m. The Kinara lighting ceremony will follow at 5 p.m. in Campus Martius. Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture and heritage, will be honored during this week-long event.

The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara, the world's tallest kinara of its kind, stands at over 30 feet in height and is a symbol of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The kinara will be located in the Southwest Garden of Campus Martius and will return each year as a monument celebrating Black culture and community.

The event is supported by various sponsors, including The Detroit Pistons, McDonald's, The Michigan Arts & Culture Council, The Knight Foundation, and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

Councilman Scott Benson, who represents District 3, expressed his pride in being a part of the event, stating, "The kinara is a special community and cultural symbol that represents the seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith."

The program will begin at Cadillac Square, where African drummers, dancers, and a special tribute to the late Queen Mother Reverend JoAnn Watson will take place. The tribute will align her work with each principle of the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is a result of collaboration and planning between Detroit leaders. Marvis Cofield, CEO and Founder of Alkebu-lan Village, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "The design and construction of the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is an endeavor that represents a spirit of collaboration that is not foreign to us – as this spirit was passed down to us from our ancestors."

The Kinara, which breaks down into 23 pieces for ease of assembly and storage, was constructed by a team of Black architects, engineers, carpenters, and contractors from the Detroit community. Engineers and electricians ensured the durability of the structure, making it able to withstand wind loads at Campus Martius.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed his pride in having the world's largest Kinara in the city, stating, "Downtown Detroit has become Michigan's community gathering place during the holiday season for people of all faiths, cultures, and traditions."

The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara represents a resurgence of pride in African American culture and heritage. Anthony Zander, Director of the City of Detroit's Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity department, expressed his excitement for the lighting ceremony, stating, "We look forward to the lightings each night during Kwanzaa – and the return of the Kinara in the years to come."

Kwanzaa, established by Maulana Karenga in 1966, aims to reconnect family, history, community, and heritage through its seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each day of the 7-day holiday is dedicated to a specific principle.

The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is a symbol of these principles and an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Black culture and community. The kinara will be illuminated each night from December 26 to January 1, representing a different Kwanzaa principle.

Those interested in supporting the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara can make tax-free or recurring donations. More information can be found on the Alkebu-Lan Village website.

Campus Martius, the location of the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara, is a symbol of vitality in Detroit and serves as a gathering place for the city's residents and visitors throughout the year.

The Lighting of the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara is a significant event that showcases the unity, culture, and heritage of African Americans in Detroit. It is a celebration that brings the community together and sets the tone for the coming year. Everyone is welcome to join in embracing the principles of Kwanzaa and witness the illumination of each candle on the Kinara.

Click this link to access more information: https://detroitmi.gov/news/2nd-annual-lighting-motor-city-kwanzaa-kinara-set-december-26-program-starting-cadillac-square-3-and