LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kristen Williams is the executive director of Play Cousins Collective, an African American family collective that aims to build a village around children through family and children’s programming and resource sharing.
Play Cousins Collective is one of many hosts of the Kwanzaa celebration in Louisville.
“It’s a weeklong festival of really celebrating who we are, who we can be and what we need to do to come together to support that,” said Williams.
During Kwanzaa, African Americans and people of the African diaspora celebrate their cultural heritage through seven principles: umoja (unity), ujima (collective work and responsibility) ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), imani (faith).
Black-led organizations in Louisville started the weeklong celebration with the first principle, Umoja, with a unity drum call on Monday and a book fair for children on Tuesday.
Jefferson County Public Schools Diversity Equity and Inclusion donated 300 books for the Kujuchagulia event.
“Kujuchagulia means self-determination. The way that we’re going to be celebrating that is by celebrating our narratives. We want to make sure that our children know that this story belongs to them, the world belongs to them, and they’re the main characters in their story, so it’s their responsibility to define themselves,” said Williams.
On Wednesday, to celebrate Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Play Cousins Collective and other organizations will collect and donate blankets, canned goods and undergarments to seniors at Elderserve from 6 to 8 p.m.
On Thursday, the 4th Annual Ujamaa (cooperative economics) Market featuring Black businesses will be held at the Norton Sports and Learning Complex at 6 p.m.
On Friday, a Nia (purpose) visioning session will be held at Angels Selfie Museum at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, a Kuumba Youth Creativity Showcase will be held at Roots 101 at 1 p.m. for youth under the age of 18.
On Sunday at Roots 101 at 6 p.m. Imani (faith) a Tai Chi and Meditation will be held at 6 p.m.
“My kids wake up on Dec. 26. We give one present each day, but they’re not concerned about the present. It’s that feeling, it’s the drums and it’s hearing their father talk about each principle and the really heartfelt time that we get together where we really center and focus and celebrate who we are all,” said Williams.
Williams believes it’s vital for Black Americans to discuss what makes them unique, their history and why they are here.
“Play Cousins believes the reason that we’re here is because of ancestral methods of healing and resilience, and really deep diving deep into indigenous knowledge, and so if we don’t have celebrations like this, how can we hold on to that knowledge? How can we teach our children that they truly are great?” said Williams.
The Kwanzaa celebration events are free and open to the public. Dinner is provided each night.
For more information, including times and locations of events, click here.