On Thursday, December 26, the first day of Kwanzaa, Plant Riverside District invites all to join in a community event “Harambee! Celebrating Kwanzaa on the River” at 6:30 p.m. at District Live, sharing in the spirit of togetherness and embracing the rich cultural history that this joyous holiday represents.

Lillian Grant-Baptiste, an informed cultural artist, motivational speaker, and master storyteller will share stories about Kwanzaa and the importance of its celebration by the Savannah River. She will explain the holiday’s significance of its seven core principles, highlighting the first-day core principle of Unity. Her stories will come to live to the beat of the drums marking the transition from the libation ritual to the entrance of the elders, and the lighting of the Kwanzaa candles. The Kwanzaa ceremony will portray dancing, creative expressions, and a robust and resounding drum circle that will have the audience up on their feet dancing and swaying to soulful sounds and the rhythmic beat of the drum. The celebration will culminate with a community affirmation and a final call to unity.