Lighting the Future
Through Unity
Join thousands of community members as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Kwanzaa and the 5th Annual Downtown Detroit Kinara Lighting.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural celebration founded in 1966 that honors African heritage, community, family, and culture through seven guiding principles known as the Nguzo Saba.
The Seven Principles
Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one principle. Together they form a framework for living with purpose every day of the year.
Umoja
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Kujichagulia
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
Ujima
To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems.
Ujamaa
To build and support businesses that benefit our community.
Nia
To make our collective vocation the building and development of our community.
Kuumba
To leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani
To believe in ourselves, our people, our leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle.
What to Expect
A full day of culture, community, and celebration for every generation.
Kinara Lighting Ceremony
The signature moment — seven candles lit in the heart of Detroit.
African Drumming & Dance
Master drummers and dancers honoring the diaspora.
Live Music & Performances
Soul, jazz, gospel, and afrobeat across the evening.
Community Vendors
Curated artisans, food, and cultural goods.
Youth Activities
Storytelling, art-making, and Nguzo Saba education.
Cultural Presentations
Elders, scholars, and griots sharing wisdom.
Black Business Marketplace
Discover and support 100+ Black-owned businesses.
Family Experiences
Designed for every generation, free for all ages.
Get Involved
RSVP for the celebration, lend your hands as a volunteer, or partner with us as a sponsor.
Become a Founding Partner
Stand alongside the leaders building Detroit's next 60 years of cultural celebration.
Six Decades. One Community.
From Our Community
"Standing in front of the kinara with my children, I felt 60 years of legacy in a single moment."
"This celebration is the heartbeat of our community. It reminds us who we are and what we're building."
"Volunteering with Kinara Detroit changed how I see purpose. Ujima isn't a word, it's a way."
Live the Principles Year-Round
Join the Kwanzaa 365 movement and receive educational content, community updates, volunteer opportunities, and event announcements throughout the year.