City of Savannah Alderwoman Kesha Gibson-Carter will present the second annual Kwanzaa Krawl, taking place at various restaurants throughout the city starting on Dec. 26 and continuing through Jan. 1. Organizers say this weeklong event will showcase Black-owned restaurants, local artists, and vendors who help make the Savannah Black American culture one-of-a-kind.
According to a release: "Alderwoman Gibson-Carter is proud to bring Kwanzaa Krawl back to the City of Savannah for the second time. This year’s celebration marks the 38th citywide observance of the nonreligious holiday. The 7-night event is a revival of sorts."
Each night, a restaurant will serve as the host site; while a selection of local elected leaders will be on-site to greet and engage guests.
In addition, local historians and speakers will provide commentary for each principle. The goal of this celebration is to unite the community, increase economic opportunity for Black-owned restaurants, showcase artists, and support local non-profit organizations.
According to the information site brittanica.com, Kwanzaa is an annual holiday affirming African family and social values that is celebrated primarily in the United States.. Both the name and the celebration were devised in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University in Long Beach and an important figure in Afrocentrism. Karenga borrowed the word kwanza, meaning “first,” from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, adding the seventh letter, an extra a, to make the word long enough to accommodate one letter for each of the seven children present at an early celebration. The concept of Kwanzaa draws on Southern African first-fruits celebrations.
Savannah event details are as follows: (All events run nightly from 6 to 8 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec 26
(Umoja-Unity)
Presenter: Dr. Amir Jamal Toure’
Hosts: Senator Lester Jackson and Tax Commissioner Sonya Jackson
Charity: Alpha Bears
Odyssey 2.0
65 W. Fairmont Ave.
912.777.4033
Monday, Dec 27
(Kujichagulia – Self-determination)
Presenter: Lillian Baptiste
Host: DA Shalena Cook-Jones
Charity: Through It All (TIA)
2 Chefs
2005-07 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
912.349.7435
Tuesday, Dec 28
(Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility)
Presenter: Christina Davis
Host: Rep. Derek Mallow
Charity: F. Callen Boys Club
520 Tavern
8820 Abercorn St.
912. 438.6191
Wednesday, Dec 29
(Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics)
Presenter: Johnny Brown
Hosts: Commissioner Tanya Milton & Adot Whitely
Charity: Future Minds
Kool Vibes
4501 Montgomery St.
912.499.5665
Thursday, Dec 30
(Nia – Purpose)
Presenter: Vaughnette Goode-Walker
Host: Judge Tammy Stokes
Charity: Save Our Youth Savannah
Liquid Cafe
10201 Abercorn Street
912.777.5663
Friday, Dec 31
(Kuumba – Creativity)
Presenter: Faith Apiap
Hosts: Alderwoman Alicia Miller-Blakely
Charity: Innercity Night Shelter
Kreole Kitchen
1800 E. Victory Dr.
912.777.5884
Saturday, Jan 1
(Imani – Faith)
Presenter: Patt Gunn
Host: Dr. Tonia Howard-Hall
Charity: Unforgettable Dream Kids
Unforgettable Bakery & Deli
238 Eisenhower Dr.
912. 355.6160
According to the City of Savannah, attendees are asked to follow COVID restrictions and guidelines, as well as participate in onsite testing.
