SUNDAY, DEC. 28
Kwanzaa is a tradition created here in Long Beach, at Cal State Long Beach, by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. That’s a 53-year tradition and one that will help, today, further the development of another tradition as the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach holds its first Kwanzaa Gathering and Fundraiser at the EXPO Arts Center.
Proposed in 2018, the cultural center has been in a developmental, visioning stage, one that sees it as a resource to “celebrate, cultivate, and advance the enrichment of the heritage and culture of the Black/African American community in Long Beach and beyond.”
Discussion, vision begins for proposed African American Cultural Center in Long Beach
Long Beach is home to more than 60,000 African Americans, about 13 percent of the city’s population, yet it has no museum or center like other ethnic groups, i.e. Museum of Latin American Art, the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum and the Japanese Culture Center.
Today, you can familiarize yourself with and/or, continue the process of supporting the cultural center by heading to the EXPO Arts Center in Bixby Knolls where, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. there will be food, fun, entertainment, vendors and a lot more for the entire family.
Admission is $15, or $25 for preferred seating. Tickets can be purchased at Village Treasures (247 E Broadway) and Shades of Afrika (1001 E 4th St), or at the door of the event.
Another great thing: We’re getting an African American Cultural Center!
Giving us a moment’s pause: We’re good.
The Kwanzaa Gathering and Fundraiser runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EXPO Arts Center is located at 4321 Atlantic Ave.