Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa

As we celebrate the Holidays, you may hear people say, “Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa”, but have no idea what Kwanzaa is or how to celebrate.

Three Black women at WXXI are on a mission to change that, with a new documentary:Kwanzaa

Your girl Jazzy T recently sat down with the director and producers of Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa to learn more about the documentary and upcoming film screening. It’s important to note that Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it intended to replace Christmas. It is a week-long cultural celebration that should be recognized in schools just like Saint Patrick’s Day or Halloween. But we the parents have to put pressure on our school administrators to include Kwanzaa in the curriculum!

The Little Theatre presents Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa Friday December 16th 2022 at 7pm with a panel discussion after the film screening.  For tickets visit https://thelittle.org/culturalexpressions-kwanzaa/ or click here 

Teej, Rhonda, Joanne and Jazzy T gather in the WDKX studio.

Press play above to hear how Teej Jenkins-Routier, Joanne Gordon and Rhonda Austin worked together with WXXI and the Little Theatre to create much needed Kwanzaa content.

Honoring the heritage, unity, culture, and rich contributions of African Americans, Kwanzaa is more than just a celebration; it’s a way of life. Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa explores the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa by sharing seven real-life stories of impact. These stories reveal how each principle plays a role in the Black community, illustrated through cultural elements of dance, storytelling, music, and spoken word. Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa premieres Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV. 

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa features interviews with Dr. David A. Anderson/Sankofa, Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition; Ms. Melba Ayco, Artistic Director and Owner, Northwest Tap Connection; Delores Jackson Radney, Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition; Melanie Funchess, Principal & CEO, Ubuntu Village Works LLC; Reenah Golden, Founder and Artistic Director, Avenue Blackbox Theatre; Anthony and Zakiya King, Owners of Cerebral Kingdom Bookstore; Dr. Shaun Nelms, EPO Superintendent, East High School; Shawn Dunwoody, Digital Designer Dunwoodē Designs; Terrie Ajile Axam, Founder Artistic Director, Total Dance/Dancical Productions Inc., and Terry Chaka, Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition. 

Cultural Expressions: Kwanzaa repeats on WXXI-TV on 12/20 at 9 p.m., on WXXI-WORLD on 1227 at 11 a.m., 12/30 at 4 p.m. and 12/31 at 10 p.m., and on WXXI-CREATE on 12/26 at 10 p.m.,12/28 at 11 a.m., and 12/29 at 7 p.m.